Empty Container Cutoff Patents (Class 222/66)
  • Patent number: 11858804
    Abstract: A system for emptying a container containing a fluid is provided. The system includes a pumping unit with at least one pump, a scraping plate arranged at a first end of the pump, and a motor arranged at a second end of the pump. A pneumatic cylinder is operatively active on the pumping unit for moving it inside a container. A supply circuit supplies air to the pumping unit below the scraping plate. A control unit utilizes first and second sensors and is configured at least to activate the pump via the motor, stop the descent of the pumping unit and deactivate the pump, enable or interrupt communication between the pumping unit and the air supply circuit, and force the cylinder to exert a first force on the pumping unit after deactivating the pump and exert a second force on the pumping unit in response to the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: C.S.F. INOX S.P.A.
    Inventor: Rolando Paterlini
  • Patent number: 11725848
    Abstract: An inflated water storage device of a heater is located on a heating container, includes: an adjusting bag which has a storage cavity made of a soft and elastic material, and a connection tube body, each end of which is respectively connected with an inlet and an outlet, so as to be connected to the inlet pipeline on the heating container, and the connection tube body has a circulation tube connected with the storage cavity in the adjusting bag. When cold water flow into the inlet pipeline, water and air in the storage cavity will be sucked out and deformed to shrink to form a negative pressure, used to recover and absorb hot water and water vapor, and to make the adjusting bag store water swell and deform, so that the simple and effective structure can achieve energy saving and drip-proof practical effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: NEXWATER INC.
    Inventor: Hong-Yi Guo
  • Patent number: 11679510
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for replacing a photoresist (PR) bottle using a vehicle. An exemplary vehicle includes a processor configured to receive a request signal to replace a first PR bottle. The processor is also configured to transmit an order based on the request signal. The vehicle also includes a plurality of wheels configured to move the vehicle from the first location to a second location, and from the second location to the first location. The vehicle further includes a robotic arm configured to load, at the first location, the first PR bottle into a first container; load a second PR bottle in a second container; remove a cap from the second PR bottle and a socket from the first PR bottle; couple the socket of the first PR bottle to the second PR bottle; and unload the second PR bottle from the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Oliver Yu, Huei-Chi Chiu, Shi-Ming Wang, Li-Jen Wu, Yu Kai Chen, Sharon Yang
  • Patent number: 11661240
    Abstract: A liquid supply system includes a suction lance (6) configured to be inserted into a liquid container (14) and at least one level sensor (10, 12) fixed on the lance (6) and configured to detect a liquid level (22) inside a liquid container (14). A control device (4) is connected to the level sensor (10, 12) and configured to determine a rate of change of the liquid level (22) detected by the at least one level sensor (10, 12) and to detect a lance removal if the rate of change reaches or exceeds a predefined threshold. A method for detecting the removal of a suction lance (6) from a liquid container (14) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Rainer Schmitz, Valeri Kechler, Klaus Müller
  • Patent number: 11161729
    Abstract: A system and method detection of an empty keg is provided. Carbonated beverages from a keg communicates a carbonated alcoholic beverage to a Foam on Beer (FOB) detector. The FOB forms a reservoir and containing a float. Level detection sensors in operative communication with the float identifies the position and movement of the float. An keg's status can thereby be anticipated by float level and speed changes. A the FOB status can thereby operate a touchless tap including a control valve via a tap control board (TCB) that actuates the control valve. A controller in operative communication with the TCB communicates with the control valve, the actuation button and in communication with the level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: SESTRA SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Lev Volftsun, Alex Belfor, Deepak Harathi, Paras Goda
  • Patent number: 10258188
    Abstract: An automatic cooking apparatus capable of supplying drinking water is provided, and includes a drinking water tank, a drinking water supplying unit, a food storage, a cooking unit and a controller. The drinking water tank includes a drinking water sensor, a drinking water output tube, and a drinking water valve. The food storage includes a food sensor, a food output member and a food valve. The cooking unit includes a heater, a steam output member and a pot cover actuator. The controller controls the drinking water valve, the food valve, the heater and the pot cover actuator based on a user's instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventors: Ping-Hua Chang, Ting-Yi Tseng
  • Patent number: 9521922
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing beverages are provided. Aspects relate to obtaining measurements regarding dispensing an ingredient (including the dispensing conditions of the ingredient) and determining whether to adjust dispensing conditions of at least one other ingredient. In one embodiment, at least one ingredient of a recipe is not dispensed based upon a dispensing measurement. The adjustment of one or more ingredients may comprise the use of adjustable orifices, which do not require separate measurements of ingredients before dispensing, but rather may measure ingredients' parameters (including dispensing conditions) as they are dispensed. Certain embodiments relate to devices and methods that may determine if an ingredient is a non-Newtonian fluid, and if so, may be configured to conduct measurements on such fluids, including, for example, the strain stress and strain rate as the fluid passes within a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: PEPSICO, INC.
    Inventors: Indrani Deo, Steven Jersey
  • Patent number: 9327956
    Abstract: The subject matter discloses an apparatus, which includes a housing; a mineral water container positioned within the housing and formed as a bag and box package unit; a chilled water faucet and a hot water faucet configured to dispense chilled mineral water and hot mineral water from the apparatus. In some cases, the apparatus further includes a cold water tank for receiving water at room temperature from the mineral water container and supply cold water to the cold water faucet and a hot water tank for receiving water at room temperature from the mineral water container and supply hot water to the hot water faucet. The apparatus may include a pump for pumping water from the mineral water container to the cold water tank and the hot water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: NEVIOT NATURE GALILEE LTD
    Inventor: Yehuda Forte
  • Patent number: 9309103
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dispensing water including: a main inlet configured to receive water from a source; a chilled water line, including: an in-line carbonator; a carbonator water inlet valve configured to selectively direct water from the main inlet to the carbonator; a carbonator gas inlet valve configured to selectively direct carbonating gas to the carbonator; and a chilled water line outlet. The apparatus may be integrated in a refrigerator or other major appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: CGP WATER SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Erdogan Ergican, Giancarlo Fantappie, Mukul Anil Khairatkar, Sann Myint Naing, Jing Huang, Yoganathan Thierumaran
  • Patent number: 9144345
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing milk portions in drink preparation machines having a milk fill level monitoring unit for a milk container. According to the method, one delivery of a milk portion from the milk container, said delivery being controlled by a device control electronic system, is only carried out completely and with a sufficient quantity of milk when during the delivery of the milk portion, the milk fill level monitoring unit signals a drop in the fill level of the milk below a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate AG
    Inventor: Shahryar Reyhanloo
  • Patent number: 8944287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing milk portions in drink preparation machines having a milk fill level monitoring unit for a milk container. According to the method, one delivery of a milk portion from the milk container, said delivery being controlled by a device control electronic system, is only carried out completely and with a sufficient quantity of milk when during the delivery of the milk portion, the milk fill level monitoring unit signals a drop in the fill level of the milk below a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate AG
    Inventor: Shahryar Reyhanloo
  • Patent number: 8944284
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a material that has a limited period of utility, a novel device comprises a first part containing the material and a second part, wherein the first and second parts have mutual engagement means and can be disengaged to allow the material to be dispensed, wherein the device includes, located within the device, control mechanisms that can be activated to initiate a time-controlled period of use and that, at the end of that period, causes the first and second parts to be permanently engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Milan Innovation Ltd.
    Inventor: Guy Dimitri Milan
  • Patent number: 8876488
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for turning off a pump. In operation, when the device is activated there is vacuum pressure in a syrup chamber. A diaphragm acting in response to the vacuum causes a piston assembly in the syrup chamber to move in the one direction (e.g. right), thus compressing a W-shaped spring in the air chamber. As the piston assembly moves, a spring holder of the W-shaped spring also moves to the one direction. As the W-shaped spring is compressed over and passed the most compressed position, the W-shaped spring moves a valve assembly in the air chamber to an opposite direction (e.g. left) and blocks a hole in a spool that otherwise allows air to pass through the air chamber to activate the pump. When the air is stopped, this turns off the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: John J. Fong
  • Publication number: 20140263421
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of dispensing systems and refill units for dispensing systems are provided. One exemplary refill unit for a counter mount dispenser includes a collapsed bag and a tube extending down into the collapsed bag. A fitment is secured to the collapsed bag. The fitment has a filling orifice. A pump for pumping fluid out of the bag is also provided. The collapsed bag fits through an opening in a countertop so that the collapsed bag may be inserted from above the countertop through the opening and at least a part of the collapsed bag extends below the countertop. The collapsed bag is configured to be filled with a liquid after being inserted through the opening in the countertop and the volume of the collapsed bag expands when the collapsed bag is filled with liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Urban, Paul R. Metcalfe, Eric M. Chalko, Nick E. Ciavarella, Gregory L. Sliwinski, Rick J. Henry
  • Publication number: 20140263433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to beverage dispense systems and methods. The systems comprise a beverage line having a distal end connectable to a beverage supply for transporting beverage from the beverage supply to a dispense font at a dispensing site. They also include a cooler for cooling beverage. The beverage line comprises a first beverage line portion extending from the distal end to the cooler within a first insulated carrier. The first insulated carrier comprises a first cooling line for transporting cooling medium through the first insulated carrier so as to allow heat exchange between the cooling medium in the first cooling line and the beverage in the first beverage line portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Chris Merrifield, Stuart Briant, Simon Gray
  • Patent number: 8733592
    Abstract: A liquid supply system capable of being serviced and hygienically maintained easily. A beer storage barrel switching device (12) uninterruptedly supplies beer by switching between beer storage barrels (21-1, 21-2). A first connection tube (23-1) is provided with a fluid stopper device (31-1) including a loop section. The fluid stopper device (31-1) switches between a suppliable state in which it is possible to supply the beer to a dispenser (11) through the first connection tube (23-1) and a non-suppliable state in which it is not possible to supply the beer. Using the fluid stopper device (31-1) eliminates the need to provide a conventional valve in the middle of the first connection tube (23-1), the conventional valve having a structural element which comes in direct contact with the beer. Accordingly, the case that a cleaning member, such as a sponge, is caught by the valve does not occur, and this enables the inner wall of the first connection tube (23-1) to be cleaned using the cleaning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Asahi Breweries, Ltd., Kyokko Electric Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Kitano, Takashi Wada, Kenji Kusunoki
  • Publication number: 20140131385
    Abstract: Bottom loading water dispensers are disclosed. The water dispensers include a cabinet having an exterior portion and an interior portion. The interior portion of the cabinet is configured to house a water bottle, in a bottom half of the cabinet. The dispensers also include a set of water dispensing actuator buttons, which include at least one child safety latch. The dispensers further include a bottle tray disposed in the bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet, which is configured to receive a bottom surface of the water bottle in the upright position. Importantly, the bottle tray is slanted from a front side to a backside of the tray. A front door of the water dispensers also include a drip tray assembly, which is located beneath an external tap and is integrally formed with a top portion of a front door of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: George Yui, Alexander Sascha Yui
  • Patent number: 8596494
    Abstract: A gas recovery system for a beverage dispensing system is provided. The system includes a mechanism for drawing gas from an at least partially used beverage container, a compressor downstream of the at least partially used beverage container, a gas separator downstream of the compressor, and a gas storage vessel downstream of the gas separator. The gas recovery system is configured to draw gas from the at least partially used beverage container, to separate the gas into component gases by passing the gas through the gas separator, and to selectively direct at least one of the separated component gases to the gas storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stanwell Technic Limited
    Inventor: Glyn Jones
  • Patent number: 8567209
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body defining a storage space; a door selectively shielding the storage space; a container connecting part disposed in the storage space or the door; a water supply container separably coupled to the container connecting part, the water supply container including an opening for injecting water; an ice making device for making ice using the water supplied from the water supply container; a water supply passage fluidly connecting the water supply container to the ice making device, the water supply passage extending in an inside direction of the water supply container; and a pump connected to the water supply passage to supply the water within the water supply container into the ice making device. According to the refrigerator, installation cost is reduced, and quality and reliability are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Kyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 8561842
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a valve body having a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, and a passageway in communication with the inlets and outlet. A valve member disposed within the passageway inhibits communication between the first inlet and the second inlet and, in a first position, the second inlet and the outlet. The valve body includes a float chamber communicating with the first inlet and the outlet. A float member disposed within the float chamber is buoyant and is operatively engageable with the valve member. The float member is displaceable upwards by liquid in the chamber to enable communication between the first inlet and the outlet. When liquid from the first inlet is depleted, the float member lowers to seal the first inlet from the outlet. The valve member moves to a second position thereby to enable the second inlet to be in communication with the outlet for dispensing liquid from the second source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Keg Switch Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Domenic Pizzacalla, Domenico Leone
  • Patent number: 8484949
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI, furthermore perform a frequency analysis of the measured pressure value in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The method is adapted to be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Richard Sebestyen, Anders Lingenhult
  • Patent number: 8479951
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing that holds first and second refill units, each including a product container and a valve assembly that receives product from the product container. An actuator mechanism associates with the first refill unit and is actuated to force air into the associated valve assembly and dispense product from the valve assembly until such time as the product container associated with that valve assembly is empty. When empty, a float valve of the valve assembly prevents the actuation of the actuator mechanism and forces the actuator mechanism to associate with the second refill unit. While so associated, the first refill unit can be replaced, thus, helping to ensure that the dispenser does not run out of product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8464907
    Abstract: Level sensors for a metering system container are provided that facilitate determining material level within the container despite dusty or damp conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, a material metering system includes a first sensor assembly disposed within a lower portion of the container and a second sensor assembly disposed within an upper portion of the container. Each sensor assembly is configured to output a signal indicative of contact with the material. The material metering system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second sensor assemblies and configured to engage a transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the first sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material and to disengage the transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the second sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Jon Ellingson, Ed Lagred, Jerry Walton
  • Patent number: 8424725
    Abstract: A semi-frozen beverage dispenser with an improved flow proportioning mechanism is provided. In a filling cycle, a first valve regulating the syrup flow opens first to deliver a predetermined volume before it closes and a second valve regulating the water flow opens to deliver a volume according to the desired water to syrup ratio. A common flow sensor measures the liquid flow volume for both the syrup and water and provides the information to the control system. If it takes too long to deliver the expected volume, the system gives out a liquid-low warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: George C. Boyer
  • Patent number: 8393141
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The can be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Richard Sebestyen, Conny Bergkvist
  • Publication number: 20130020350
    Abstract: A method of dispensing a pesticidal bait with an electrically powered dispensing device is provided. A fluid dispensing device and system provides the user the ability to deposit controlled and precise amounts of a substance in specific target areas with capacity to record and transfer the information for diverse user defined purposes. The substance dispensed by the device can easily be deposited into desired locations. Viewing of the dispensed material and its location is enhanced with the aid of a light source if there is not sufficient light available to see adequately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicants: STAINLESS STEEL COATINGS, INC., MCLAUGHLIN GORMLEY KING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mclaughlin Gormley King Company, Stainless Steel Coatings, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20120325851
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing that holds first and second refill units, each including a product container and a valve assembly that receives product from the product container. An actuator mechanism associates with the first refill unit and is actuated to force air into the associated valve assembly and dispense product from the valve assembly until such time as the product container associated with that valve assembly is empty. When empty, a float valve of the valve assembly prevents the actuation of the actuator mechanism and forces the actuator mechanism to associate with the second refill unit. While so associated, the first refill unit can be replaced, thus, helping to ensure that the dispenser does not run out of product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8322571
    Abstract: Fluid supply systems for storage and dispensing of chemical reagents and compositions, e.g., high purity liquid reagents and chemical mechanical polishing compositions used to manufacture microelectronic device products, having capability for detection of an empty or near-empty condition when the contained liquid is at or approaching depletion during dispensing operation. Fluid delivery systems employing empty detect arrangements are described, including pressure transducer monitoring of dispensed material intermediate the supply package and a servo-hydraulic dispense pump, or monitoring of dispenser chamber replenishment times in a dispenser being replenished on a cyclic schedule to flow material from the dispenser to a downstream tool utilizing the dispensed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Minna Hovinen, John R. Kingery, Glenn M. Tom, Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Kirk Mikkelsen, Donald D. Ware, Peter C. Van Buskirk
  • Patent number: 8276784
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing that holds first and second refill units, each including a product container and a valve assembly that receives product from the product container. An actuator mechanism associates with the first refill unit and is actuated to force air into the associated valve assembly and dispense product from the valve assembly until such time as the product container associated with that valve assembly is empty. When empty, a float valve of the valve assembly prevents the actuation of the actuator mechanism and forces the actuator mechanism to associate with the second refill unit. While so associated, the first refill unit can be replaced, thus, helping to ensure that the dispenser does not run out of product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8123076
    Abstract: An appliance controller is provided featuring one or more modules configured for providing power to an appliance that receives fluid from a fluid supply system, for receiving a fluid supply system signal indicating that the fluid is not being provided to the appliance and for disconnecting the power to the appliance. The one or more modules may take the form of an appliance controller circuit having a first circuit part configured for providing power to an appliance that receives fluid from a fluid supply system; and a second circuit part configured for receiving a fluid supply system signal indicating that the fluid is not being provided to the appliance and disconnecting the power to the appliance. The appliance controller may form part of an appliance controller system having appliances, appliance controllers and the fluid supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Phillips, William B. McDonough, Nikhil Jitendra Gandhi, Rodolfo Aguirre
  • Patent number: 8092741
    Abstract: A water chlorinating device having a vessel (2) in turn having a bottom portion (6) for containing water; a grille (10) located over the bottom portion and for supporting a solid chemical chlorinating substance (11); a spray device (13) for directing at least one water jet on to the grille (10); and a mixing nozzle (29) located inside the bottom portion (6), at the bottom of the vessel (2), and for agitating the water in the bottom portion (6) by means of a water jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Marchi & Brevetti Interprise S.R.L.
    Inventor: Corrado Barani
  • Publication number: 20110259913
    Abstract: Bottom loading water dispensers are disclosed. The water dispensers include a cabinet having an exterior portion and an interior portion. The interior portion of the cabinet is configured to house a water bottle, in a bottom half of the cabinet. The dispensers also include a set of water dispensing actuator buttons, which include at least one child safety latch. The dispensers further include a bottle tray disposed in the bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet, which is configured to receive a bottom surface of the water bottle in the upright position. Importantly, the bottle tray is slanted from a front side to a backside of the tray. A front door of the water dispensers also include a drip tray assembly, which is located beneath an external tap and is integrally formed with a top portion of a front door of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: George Yui, Alexander Sascha Yui
  • Patent number: 8044669
    Abstract: An admittance meter having an electrical alternating signal source, a diode ring operated as a synchronous rectifier with at least four diodes connected in series and in the same direction in succession, a measuring sensor, and an evaluation unit. The diode ring is subjected to an alternating signal via first second feed points, which are each connected via two series-connected diodes. The measuring sensor is connected to the first feed point, and the evaluation unit is connected to a first or a second measurement point of the diode ring. The first and second measurement points are each connected via one diode to the first and second feed points, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ifm electronic GmbH
    Inventors: Jaromir Palata, Jochen Gundlach
  • Patent number: 8011396
    Abstract: An improved multipurpose funnel system for filling a container, which prevents liquid from overflowing, is self venting and is capable of filling hard to reach container locations. The system has a funnel removably coupled to a bottle cartridge which holds bottles therein. A pair of parallel rods hingedly connected to the bottle cartridge and having at least one hollow cone shaped spike extending outwardly therefrom. The funnel has a downspout having venting tubes, and a cap having an elongated threaded tip. The cap and downspout each include semi-circular plates which work in conjunction together as a check valve mechanism for controlling the flow of liquid therethrough. The check valve mechanism includes a closed first position, intermediate second position, and opened third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Travis Carl Harvey
  • Publication number: 20110186592
    Abstract: An architecture is presented that dispenses fresh cooking oil. The dispensing device comprises a rack and a vacuum chamber that secures containers of cooking oil in an inverted position. The vacuum chamber allows the cooking oil to drain out of the container and ensures that all oil is completely drained from the container. A metal cap assembly is secured to an opening of the container, allowing the container to be inverted on the rack. The metal cap assembly comprises a vent hole and a metal tube connected to the vent hole that draws air into the inverted container to prevent vacuum levels from building up in the container. A hose transfers cooking oil from the container to the vacuum chamber. And, an exit hose connects to a pumping station and transfers cooking oil from the vacuum chamber to the pumping station and ultimately to a fryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: John W. Palazzo, Giovanni Brienza
  • Patent number: 7918367
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the delivery of CO2 from a bulk storage tank to at least one gas-driven pump is disclosed. By monitoring certain conditions, the flow of CO2 can be quickly and easily terminated if necessary, thereby reducing or eliminating undesirable consequences of CO2 gas flow in abnormal operational scenarios. The invention is particularly well suited for deployment in conjunction with beverage dispensing machines and can be configured to shut down the flow of CO2 if a drop in pressure occurs due to a leak in the system or if a syrup delivery system runs out of product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin P. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20100147881
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing that holds first and second refill units, each including a product container and a valve assembly that receives product from the product container. An actuator mechanism associates with the first refill unit and is actuated to force air into the associated valve assembly and dispense product from the valve assembly until such time as the product container associated with that valve assembly is empty. When empty, a float valve of the valve assembly prevents the actuation of the actuator mechanism and forces the actuator mechanism to associate with the second refill unit. While so associated, the first refill unit can be replaced, thus, helping to ensure that the dispenser does not run out of product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David D. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20100116846
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device (100) for the production and the controlled dispensing of soft ice cream or similar products, comprising: A refrigerator body (6) suitable to treat a pre-determined amount of ice-cream; A dispenser (1a,2,3,4,4a,5) of ice-cream; Means (7) for the mixing and the forwarding of the ice-cream to the dispenser (1a,2,3,4,4a,5); and characterised in that the dispenser (1a,2,3,4,4a,5) comprises or is constituted by: An only tap (1a) having an internal portioning chamber of a pre-determined volume and suitable to be filled completely by the ice-cream so as to contain a pre-determined volume of ice-cream as one portion, An only plunger (2) that slides from an upper end to a lower end of the chamber; Holding means (5) for holding the ice cream inside the chamber when the plunger is not actuated, said holding means (5) being fixed at the lower end of the chamber corresponding to the lower end of the tap (1a); Means (3,4,4a) for actuating said plunger (2) for the dispensing of the ice-c
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Umberto CORTESE, Salvatore Larducci
  • Patent number: 7628293
    Abstract: An initial weight of a grease storing cartridge attached to a pump is measured, and the measured value is compared with a reference weight and it is determined whether the initial weight of the cartridge is within an appropriate range or not. The weight of the cartridge is measured before and after execution of one operation cycle of the pump, and it is determined whether the difference therebetween (i.e., weight of grease which is actually supplied during one operation cycle) is within an appropriate range or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Masahiko Urata, Koichi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7597215
    Abstract: A supply system and method for providing water from a bottled water cooler includes a pump which pumps water from an upright bottle of water into a water reservoir in the bottled water cooler. A control device using a microcontroller monitors upper and lower sensors which are disposed in the water reservoir, and controls the operation of the pump so that the water level in the reservoir goes no lower than the lower sensor, and goes no higher than the upper sensor. The control device also monitors a sensor disposed at the bottom of the bottle of water, and de-energizes the pump if the bottle of water is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Ali Ahmed Sleiman
  • Publication number: 20080272143
    Abstract: A beverage system includes a pump that draws a set mount of a flavored concentrate into a mixing chamber through a conduit for mixing with water to form a beverage. A sensor detects when the amount of the flavored concentrate in the conduit or in the container is low or out. The sensor includes two wings each including a recessed surface that together defines a circular space. A portion of the conduit is received in the circular space. Each of the wings includes an ultrasonic portion that emits ultrasonic waves that are non-intrusive. When the amount of flavored concentrate in the conduit is low, air bubbles are generated in the flow along the conduit and/or a vacuum is created in the conduit to draw the conduit away from the recessed surface. The ultrasonic waves detect either of these two features, indicating that the amount of the flavored concentrate is low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: James J. Minard, Mark E. Bush
  • Patent number: 7439859
    Abstract: A drinkware is provided to provide information to a receiver. The drinkware is a RF device coupled to a handheld drinking container. The RF device can receive and send RF signals and communicate with a sensory device. A transmitter can send a signal to the communication device, which then activates sensory device. The RF device can communicate with the transmitter to control a fountain machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Whirley Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20080251534
    Abstract: An appliance controller is provided featuring one or more modules configured for providing power to an appliance that receives fluid from a fluid supply system, for receiving a fluid supply system signal indicating that the fluid is not being provided to the appliance and for disconnecting the power to the appliance. The one or more modules may take the form of an appliance controller circuit having a first circuit part configured for providing power to an appliance that receives fluid from a fluid supply system; and a second circuit part configured for receiving a fluid supply system signal indicating that the fluid is not being provided to the appliance and disconnecting the power to the appliance. The appliance controller may form part of an appliance controller system having appliances, appliance controllers and the fluid supply system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: David L. PHILLIPS, William B. MCDONOUGH, Nikhil Jitendra GANDHI, Rodolfo AGUIRRE
  • Publication number: 20080216504
    Abstract: An automatic liquid dispenser and a refrigerator with the same is disclosed wherein a level of liquid to be ejected into a receptacle can be established, and a display module is mounted to thereby enhance a user convenience, and wherein the automatic liquid dispenser is mounted on the refrigerator to allow being independently driven and manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Jong Hwan Kim, Ju Hwan Yun, Young Hyun Lee, Dong Joo You
  • Patent number: 7249616
    Abstract: Device for filling dry toner powder from a bag into a toner container, said device comprising a piping system with a flexible and compressible pipe and a peristaltic pump acting on said flexible and compressible pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: CF Technologies
    Inventors: Giuseppe Turri, Giuseppe Cerasaro, Alessandro Turri, Didier Desschans, Dirk Vanderschueren
  • Patent number: 7165699
    Abstract: The invention has application to dispensing dessert products from pre-filled containers. The container (11) has an outlet (12A) and a moveable portion (13) which is engageable to reduce the container internal volume and cause product to be extruded from an outlet. The container is located on a support (15) during dispensing and there are elements (48–51, 53) for detecting whether the product is extrudable and/or whether dispensing is complete. In addition, there is a detector (35–37) for detecting a container in a discharge position on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: McGill Technology Limited
    Inventor: Shane Robert McGill
  • Patent number: 6962627
    Abstract: The present invention provides a providing device capable of using a solution within a tank effectively than ever as preventing an air bubble from mixing in the solution to be provided to an applying device. In providing devices and for leading a coloring sensitive matter from any one of a plurality of pressure tanks to an applying device via a predetermined flow path, middle tanks are provided every for each of pressure tanks on the way of a flow path connecting each of the plurality of pressure tanks and the applying device. A sensor detects whether an amount of a solution stored in respective middle tanks is not less than a predetermined lower limit value or not. Then, a signal in response to its result of the detection is outputted to a system controlling device. On the basis of this output signal, it is discriminated whether the amount of the solution in the middle tank is not less than the lower limit value or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Sekiguchi, Shouichi Murakami, Katsumi Orihara
  • Patent number: 6926170
    Abstract: A drink dispensing cart includes a drink dispensing machine that is normally plumbed directly into a municipal water pipe at a fixed location. The cart includes a container of water, preferably a disposable container of water such as a bag-in-box container of water, and a pump to pump water from the container of water to the drink dispensing machine. A controller controls operation of the pump to operate the pump only when water is needed by the drink dispensing machine and to provide an indication when the container of water is empty and needs changing. A pressure sensor in an outlet line extending between the pump and drink dispensing machine senses when water is needed by the dispenser and a pressure sensor in an inlet line extending between the pump and the container of water senses when the container of water is empty and needs replacing. A time delay circuit delays start of operation of the pump when water is needed by the drink dispenser to avoid pulsing of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: R. Clay Groesbeck
  • Patent number: 6880724
    Abstract: A photoresist supply system includes a storage bottle and a reservoir coupled in flow communication therewith. A vacuum pump is coupled in flow communication with the reservoir and creates a vacuum within the reservoir that draws photoresist out of the storage bottle and into the reservoir. An inlet into the reservoir is configured to flow photoresist down an inner wall of the reservoir. The photoresist flows out of the reservoir into a dispense reservoir from which the photoresist is pumped to a dispense nozzle for application to a wafer or substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Macronix International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Tsai Liu
  • Patent number: 6868986
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a pump 24 system that can be added to an existing water cooler 16 or be an integral system. A power switch 34 provides means to turn the pump 24 on and off. Pump 24 controls include the low-level switch 26, the high water switch 28, and an over flow switch 30. The water bottle 15 is connected to the pump 24 by means of a wand 54 and intake line 38 which includes an accordion pump 36 to prime the line and protect against air lock. Additional elements of the present invention include an auxiliary water tap 62, an audio alert(s), a reserve battery pack 72 and a free-floating mercury switch 74 to replace the low and high level switch 26, 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Arnold