Measuring Vessel Patents (Class 73/426)
  • Patent number: 6094996
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that electronically measures and displays the size of a fish in a net using an electrical transducer generating a signal responding to the weight of a fish, and electronics converting and displaying the signal to indicate fish weight, length, and/or girth to inform a person of fish size with minimum trauma to a fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventors: Bruce H. Campbell, Jon B. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 5979222
    Abstract: A pressure testing apparatus can pressure test separately a first object having a width and a height and a second object having a width and a height. The first object can be, for example, a fiber optic repeater; the second object can be, for example, a fiber optic branch unit. The pressure testing apparatus has a testing vessel and an adaptor. The testing vessel has a chamber with an inner width corresponding to the width of the first object and a first gap. The adaptor can be selectably insertable into the chamber of the testing vessel and has an inner width and an outer width. The outer width of the adaptor corresponds to the inner width of the chamber of the testing vessel and a second gap. The inner width of the adaptor corresponds to the width of the second object and a third gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Tyco Submarine Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony A. Manalio
  • Patent number: 5884523
    Abstract: A scoop with a counter for powder material includes a scooping cup with a handle and a pusher that can slide to and fro on the handle of the scoop. On the front end of the pusher is a cover ring and on the rear end of the pusher is a top plate. At the end of the handle of the scooping cup is fitted a housing that is composed of a left casing and a right casing. On each casing there is a window and inside the casings is fitted a counter ratchet. A digit frame in a ring arrangement is attached to both sides of the counter ratchet. On the lower part of the housing is an opening so a toothed side of the counter ratchet is exposed to facilitate resetting adjustment. Also in the housing and at the toothed side of the counter ratchet is a flexible fixing plate to fix the counter ratchet. In operation, the pusher may be slid across the scooping cup where the cover ring at the front end of the pusher will level the powder material in the scooping cup to obtain a constant quantity of powder material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventors: Jung-kuang Cheng, Chi-hung Cheng
  • Patent number: 5881596
    Abstract: A cylindrical vessel body 20 has an end opened. A urine taking cap 50 comprises a fitting cylinder section 51 which can be freely fitted in tight contact with the opened end of the vessel body 20, a urine sampling cylinder section 52 connected to the fitting cylinder section 51 and having a urine sampling inlet 5b opened thereon, and a grip section 53 connected to an outer end of the urine sampling cylinder section 52. In addition, a cover cylinder 30 has an end opened, the opened end being capable of being fitted in tight contact with a tapered face 5e of the urine sampling cylinder section 52 in the state in which the vessel body 20 having the urine taking cap 50 attached thereto is inserted. A ring protrusion 55 is formed on an outer peripheral face of a connecting portion of the urine sampling cylinder section 52 and the grip section 53, and the grip section 53 can be freely extended axially by an extension cylinder 5g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Itochu Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Tsuji, Ichiro Morimoto, Takahiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5850757
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of liquid in a tank mounted within a vehicle. The apparatus includes a tank-mount mechanically coupled to and surrounding the tank to prevent translational movement of the tank, The tank-mount has a plurality of pivoting members allowing only rotational movement of the tank. The members pivot about a common axis, defined by an orifice of each of a plurality of fixed members coupled to the vehicle. The tank-mount also has an extended end positioned on a side opposite to the plurality of pivoting members which extends outwardly from the tank. The apparatus also includes a load cell in contact with the extended end for providing a signal proportional to the load placed on the load cell by the extended end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Scott M. Wierenga
  • Patent number: 5758540
    Abstract: A retrofit device includes an elongated displacement element of uniform cross-section. When disposed in an upright position in a chamber of a multi-chamber fluid measuring device, the retrofit device reduces the volume of the chamber and thereby alters the ratio which the volume of that chamber bears to another chamber of the measuring device. The retrofit device may be advantageously employed in a syrup chamber of a multi-chamber measuring vessel used for assessing the volumetric ratio of syrup and diluent components used to prepare a beverage in a post-mix dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Joaquin R. Davila, W. Andrew Harvill
  • Patent number: 5706974
    Abstract: A lid for a container designed to contain powder or granular materials includes a lip on an interior or bottom surface of the lid for selectively attaching a scoop. The lip is resiliently deformable when an edge of the scoop is pressed against it. This deforming creates an interference fit, thereby securing the scoop to the undersurface of the lid. When the scoop is to be used, it can be easily removed from the lid without the need for rooting and searching within the container for the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Brian Kendall Murdick, Thomas Walter Osip
  • Patent number: 5678450
    Abstract: An adjustable spoon or scoop with a measuring container on each end. The spoon has a sliding cover with dams for adjusting the volumes in the measurement containers at both ends. The cover can be easily snapped off of the spoon body to separate the parts for easy washing. The dimensions of the containers at opposite ends of the spoon are set to cover different volume ranges; for example, 1/8 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon at one end, and 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon at the other end. Coordinated indicia are provided to indicate the measurements corresponding to each position of the slider. The dimensions of the measurement containers are determined so that a standard fractional measurement will be provided at both ends of the spoon by each of a plurality of sequential slider locations. The body has a slender central portion extending between the measurement containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Robbins Indusxries, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Stanley Robbins, Frans M. Weterrings, Rodney W. Robbins
  • Patent number: 5645196
    Abstract: A holder for standard liquid filled cartons, such as those containing milk or juice. The holder includes a sleeve that surrounds the carton sides, a base closing the sleeve for supporting the bottom of a carton and a handle for lifting and carrying the holder and carton and for pouring liquid from the carton. The handle preferably is movable between a deployed position for use and a stored position folded against the holder. The holder may also be used as a measuring vessel when a carton is not housed therein. A second set of indica may be provided on the sleeve indicating the volume at different levels in the holder without a carton therein. Also, a thermometer, preferably a liquid crystal temperature indicating strip, may be provided on the inside of a transparent sleeve to show the temperature of a container therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Charles O. Hancuff
  • Patent number: 5579759
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for ascertaining whether or not the contents of an aerosol medication inhaler canister are near depletion. The apparatus is comprised of a tank having transparent walls and a reference indicia on the tank visible through a transparent front wall panel. The reference indicia depicts the orientation of the longitudinal axis of an empty aerosol medication inhaler canister floating in water relative to horizontal. Preferably, the reference indicia is mounted on a dial attached to the rear wall of the tank. The dial includes a pointer. Canister model code marks are printed on the rear wall of the tank immediately beneath the dial. The user rotates the dial to align the pointer with the particular model code mark corresponding to the canister model the user wishes to measure. This brings the reference indicia on the dial into the fully discharged orientation which an empty canister of that model will assume when placed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Everett Gantz
  • Patent number: 5516038
    Abstract: In a box which is made of cardboard or other rigid material and has a rectangular prism-like shape, one or two opposite faces have an inspection port which is closed with transparent material and is flanked by a graduated scale used to determine, according to the level reached after one or more partial removals, the weight of the short pasta or rice left in the box and any corresponding calories. The removal outlet, closed by a tear-open tab, is provided in one of the two faces that are normal to the face or faces provided with the inspection port and the graduated scale; the handle that makes it easier to grip the box protrudes on the opposite face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Corticella Molini E Pastifici S.p.A.
    Inventor: Antonietta Zaccarini
  • Patent number: 5482095
    Abstract: This invention relates to a case for dosing accessories adapted to be adhered to a bottle. Said case comprises a front wall, a rear wall, two side walls, an open upper end and a lower end, and presents a housing adapted to receive, at least partially, a dosing accessory received via said open upper end. The housing is delimited by the front rear and side walls, which are integral with one another. The rear wall is capable of being adhered to the bottle, and is elastically deformable to fit on bottles of different curvatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Laboratoire Suppo Steril
    Inventor: Michel de Chollet
  • Patent number: 5460042
    Abstract: Adjustable measuring devices are disclosed. The device comprises an elongate body having first and second ends. Both first and second ends have measuring cavities formed thereon. Preferably the body member further has a central rail member disposed between the measuring cavities formed at each end of the member. Slidably attached to the body member is an elongate central cover member. The central cover member has damming members extending downwardly at each end such that each damming member is snugly received within a measuring cavity. Accordingly, by sliding the central cover member across the body member, the volume in each respective measuring cavity can be increased or decreased to form a desired setting. Preferably, the adjustable measuring device has measuring indicia formed thereon as well as an adjustable interlocking arrangement between the central cover member and the body member such that fixed volumes may be readily and accurately measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Terence Tucker
  • Patent number: 5448913
    Abstract: The measuring device has a bowl. The bowl's capacity is adjusted by a dam structure located within the bowl and attached to a cover structure slidably mounted on the bowl. The slidable cover extends beyond the bowl for use as a handle. The handle has a downwardly-directed extension which is used to support and stabilize the device when the device rests on a flat surface. The handle also has a rounded indentation at the junction between the extension and the handle, so as to reinforce the junction and provide means for easily gripping the device. The sides of the bowl structure are flexible so that they can be squeezed together to release the cover so that the device can easily be disassembled and reassembled for cleaning. A detent structure is provided to locate the sliding dam at pre-marked measurement locations. The detent structure is centrally located to permit strengthening of the sliding attachment means and reduce wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Robbins Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney W. Robbins, E. Stanley Robbins, Frans M. Wetterings, Charles R. Hebner, John E. Watkins
  • Patent number: 5445023
    Abstract: A measuring device consisting of a container or vessel is disclosed in this invention to provide a safe, accurate and fast means to obtain a desired quantity of a fluent material. The fluent material can be any liquid or grandular material that has a relatively flat top surface. The container has a first volumetric portion that contains an exact volume when filled to the level of an overflow weir. A small overflow volume is allowed to pass over the weir into a second volumetric portion of the container. A diaphragm separates the two volumetric portions and is positioned within the container to allow the exact volume to be discharged without discharging the overflow volume. The overflow volume is safely returned to a bulk source container to conserve the fluent material. Only limited dexterity is required to quickly obtain an exact volume; as a safety lip is provided above the top surface of the fluent material which is limited by the weir height above a base of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Robert R. Reed
  • Patent number: 5445022
    Abstract: A device for measuring a powdered or granular product includes a product receptacle having an open end, a side wall surrounding the open end and a sealing member disposed opposite the open end and coupled to the side wall. The side wall is coupled to the sealing member so that product received in the receptacle can leave the receptacle only through the open end. The device further includes a handle extending, a first end of which is coupled to the side wall so that a consumer of the product may rotate the handle from an initial position for packing the measuring device and the product into the package to a measuring position for measuring desired quantities of the product. When in the initial position, the handle extends from the side wall substantially parallel to the first direction and, when in the measuring position, the handle extends away from the side wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Vassallo
  • Patent number: 5406995
    Abstract: A container assembly includes an outer container and at least one inner container whose internal volume has the same ratio to the remaining internal volume of the outer container as the desired ratio of liquids to be mixed. An orifice in the inner container establishes communication between the lower end portions of the two containers so that a previously mixed liquid mixture of a predetermined ratio resides at the same level in both containers. The container assembly may be filled with additional mixture of the same ratio by filling the inner container with one liquid and by flushing that liquid from the inner container and into the outer container with a second liquid until the outer container is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Viking Industrial Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles J. Gantzer
  • Patent number: 5359905
    Abstract: A hand-manipulative apparatus is disclosed for receiving a specimen of the fuel tank contents of a fuel tank. The apparatus comprises an elongated body of substantially circular cross-section. The body is fabricated of transparent molded material and is open at its upper end. The body is of tubular character through a portion of its length for defining a fuel-receiving compartment having a central axis and communicating with the open upper end of the body. The body has spaced-apart indentations in its upper end edge for alignment and cooperation with associated actuating arms of a pet cock drain valve, if such a pet cock drain valve is utilized. The tubular portion is closed at its lower end portion. A resilient semi-rigid rod is removably attached at a first end to the lower end portion of the tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Robert M. Brodbeck
  • Patent number: 5353964
    Abstract: A twin-bottle nursing bottle includes an outer bottle having a mouth at the top; an outer cap fastened to the mouth of the outer bottle through a screw joint to hold a nipple; an inner bottle disposed inside the outer bottle; a cup-like inner cap supported above the mouth of the outer bottle to hold the inner bottle inside the outer bottle; and a diversion control switch received within the outer cap between the nipple and the cup-like inner cap and turned to let a first fluid in the outer bottle or a second fluid in the inner bottle flow into the nipple for suction by the baby or to let both the first and second fluids flow into the nipple simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventors: Yin-Peng Liu, Miin-Tsang Sheu
  • Patent number: 5347865
    Abstract: A measuring scoop with molded reusable fit clip is disclosed. The measuring scoop includes a bowl with a scraping lip or shoulder used for more effectively lifting product into the bowl, an elongated handle which is integrally mounted on said bowl and a reusable fit clip on the free end of the handle, which clip is used for sealing closed a bag of product. The design of the handle as well as the design of the reusable fit clip extends the life of the molded friction fit clip by improving the clipping force as well as the clip's resistance to deformation from applied stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick E. Mulry, Dennis J. Kool, Mike B. Tyberghein, Donald S. Gura, Jeffrey D. Plyler
  • Patent number: 5325717
    Abstract: The measuring device has a bowl. The bowl's capacity is adjusted by a dam structure located within the bowl and attached to a cover structure slidably mounted on the bowl. The slidable cover extends beyond the bowl for use as a handle. The handle has a downwardly-directed extension which is used to support and stabilize the device when the device rests on a flat surface. The handle also has a rounded indentation at the junction between the extension and the handle, so as to reinforce the junction and provide for easily gripping the device. The sides of the bowl structure are flexible so that they can be squeezed together to release the cover so that the device can easily be disassembled and reassembled for cleaning. A detent structure is provided to locate the sliding dam at pre-marked measurement locations. The detent structure is centrally located to permit strengthening of the sliding attachment and reduce wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Robbins Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney W. Robbins, E. Stanley Robbins, Frans M. Weterrings, Charles R. Hebner, John E. Watkins
  • Patent number: 5291783
    Abstract: A tube for use in a fixed angle centrifuge rotor having a rotor cavity inclined at a predetermined angle .THETA. with respect to the axis of rotation is characterized by one or more marking(s) thereon that indicates the level to which the tube may be filled with liquid without risk of spillage due to meniscus re-orientation. The markings may be graduated in terms of angles at which the rotor cavity may be inclined or in terms of the identity of each rotor into which the tube may be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Hall
  • Patent number: 5279159
    Abstract: A measuring vessel for containment of liquids to be tested such as blood, blood plasma or the like includes a rectangular well with an inlet opening at one end thereof and with another funnel-shaped end which is connected to a tubular member closed by a cylindrical bottom with an inwardly projecting central pin to define a track for a spherical body for allowing determination of the coagulation behavior of the liquid. The tubular member includes at least two parallel side faces which extend over nearly the entire length of the tubular member. A footing is fixed to the tubular member in elongation of each broadside of the well for enabling a secure placement of the measuring vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Heinrich Amelung GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Amelung
  • Patent number: 5137316
    Abstract: A plastic stackable measuring scoop of the type which is frequently included in packages of granular detergents wherein a generally rectilinear scoop bowl has a front wall which slopes inwardly from top to bottom and a rear wall the central portion of which also slopes inwardly from top to bottom and has a corrugation providing a median ridge terminating just above the bottom of the bowl as an inwardly projecting shoulder which serves as a stop to limit the extent of entry of a scoop bowl thereinto. The front wall of the shoulder has a five degree backdraft to increase the distance that the shoulder extends inwardly. The slope of the central portion of the back wall of the bowl is substantially greater than the draft of the side portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Plastofilm Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas E. Foos
  • Patent number: 5044200
    Abstract: An all purpose lawn and garden marker which is molded of a plastic material and therefore can be inexpensively manufactured. In addition, the marker is adapted to hold the required notice that a lawn has been chemically treated as well as other advertising material. The marker also functions as a water gauge so that the homeowner can determine the extent to which the lawn has been watered. Further still, the marker has a mowing height gauge to aid the homeowner in cutting the grass to the proper level. The homeowner can also utilize the marker in his garden to post a notice as to what is planted in the garden and to indicate the extent to which his garden has been watered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Green Genie Products, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Millard Dailey, John F. Chmela
  • Patent number: 5007743
    Abstract: An apparatus is set forth for use as a dieting aid by individuals, wherein a dish member includes a continuous surrounding wall defining an interior cavity. The interior cavity includes first and second concave recesses for receiving metered containers therewithin that each include metering designations consistent with dieting portions available to an individual. The containers each include sealing lids selectively securable thereon for maintaining freshness and temperature within the containers. The continuous wall includes a cavity filled with a mineral oil to retain heat within the cavity and impart such heat to food contained within the interior cavity of the dish. A thermometer is integrally and optionally formed to an exterior surface of the wall, and additionally the dish may include a medial partition wall with spaced pairs of ribs containing selectively partitionable partition walls between the ribs for selective control of food portions contained between the partition walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Leanne M. Brennan
  • Patent number: 4986464
    Abstract: A measuring device constructed from cellulosic material such as heavy paper or paperboard, metal, or a polymeric material, the material of construction having a predetermined geometric shape with creases segmenting the shaped material to facilitate folding, unfolding and refolding the device, the device being calibrated and useful for measuring particulate materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Joanne K. Leigh
  • Patent number: 4981041
    Abstract: A measuring and dispensing device for shortening and similar semi-solid materials. The device includes a scoop having a tubular body with an inner surface, the scoop being open at both ends and having a handle. A plunger is closely receivable in one end of the tubular body and is movable to displace semi-solid material from the other end of the tubular body. Measurement gradations are provided on either the tubular body or the plunger, the tubular body preferably being transparent. The scoop may be filled with shortening, the excess being cut off with a knife or similar object, and the plunger then inserted to simultaneously measure and displace the desired amount of semi-solid material. To spread semi-solid material on a surface such as a cookie sheet or casserole, a flexible perforated cap is provided which is removably attachable to the opposite end of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Inventor: John H. Merkle
  • Patent number: 4969356
    Abstract: A device for measuring the volume of objects by use of air pressure includes a container which has a primary rod and a secondary rod, desired portions of which can be controllably disposed in the interior of the container. These rods are graduated so that it is possible to note the degree of penetration of the primary rod into the container and, similarly, the volume of the portion of the second rod in the container. The container is designed to be closed airtight and to hold the object of unknown volume. The primary rod is forced into the container to generate an elevated pressure which pressure is noted. Thereafter, the object is removed and in its place a sufficient portion of a second rod, estimated to equal the volume of the object being measured, is disposed in the container. The primary rod is then repositioned as before with the idea of obtaining the same pressure reading as before.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: Stanley Hartstein
  • Patent number: 4876891
    Abstract: An aerosol spray dispenser of flowable pharmaceutical product is provided with a flotation stabilizing arrangement such that it will float in water in a stabilized erect position even when empty of product; a scale is associated with the dispenser so that the depth at which it floats can be read by comparing the position of the surface of the water in which it floats with graduations on the scale. The stabilizing action may be obtained by placing the dispenser in a floatable bottom-weighted vial, with the scale located in the exterior of the vial, and the combination of vial and dispenser then floated in water. In other embodiments the vial need not be used, in which case the dispenser itself may be bottom-weighted to assure its stabilized erect flotation and the scale placed on the exterior of the dispenser; or, a cap may be provided for the dispenser which is positioned on the dispenser while both are floated in the water, the cap being top-weighted so that the assembly floats stably upside-down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Rorer Pharmaceutical Corporation
    Inventors: George R. Felt, Donna K. Multhauf, Sudhakar S. Wagle
  • Patent number: 4815861
    Abstract: A mixer-feeder vessel for the percentagewise mixing of two or more liquids, particularly for offset printing presses, enables a fluid contained in the feeder vessel to be admitted to a fluid tank. A partial volume of the mixer-feeder vessel is subdivided into a predetermined number of chambers by means of partition walls, with the chambers arranged in adjacent relationship to form a row. The partition walls protrude from one wall of the vessel by a predetermined length into the vessel. In a wall opposite the one wall of the vessel there is provided an inlet-outlet port aligned with a first chamber of the row of chambers, so that when a liquid is supplied through the inlet-outlet port, the first chamber situated under the port is first filled and subsequently the remaining chambers along the row are filled in series. The opposite wall is spaced from confronting end sections of the partition walls by another length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Neue Rotaprint GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Heppenstiel, Klaus Lentz
  • Patent number: 4788862
    Abstract: A plastic molded measuring scoop assembly includes a generally cylindrical measuring scoop and a hinged handle assembly which is comprised of a fixed inner handle portion and a foldable outer handle portion. The inner handle portion carries a latching channel at its outer end and the inner end of the foldable handle portion carries upper and lower latching fins. The cooperation between these fins and the latching channel retain the foldable handle portion of the handle assembly in either a folded storage position or an unfolded use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Company
    Inventor: Ronald C. Fuller
  • Patent number: 4783305
    Abstract: A generator of radionuclides comprises a generator column (10) containing the radionuclide and provided with an inlet (12) and an outlet (14) for eluent, first and second reservoirs (16, 18) for eluent, and connecting means for passing a pre-determined column of eluent from the second reservoir through the generator column. A part defining the second reservoir, which part may be the second reservoir itself, is rotatable to determine the volume of eluent passed through the column. The second reservoir is preferably shaped as a sector of a cylinder rotatable around a horizontal axis.The generator is well suited for vacuum elution of a variable pre-determined volume of eluent into a single size collection vial with subsequent drying of the generator column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Amersham International plc.
    Inventor: Terence R. F. Forrest
  • Patent number: 4756323
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing rice prior to cooking includes a glass or plastic cylinder having threadably attached lids at both ends. A screen mesh container is retained within the cylinder and is designed to hold the rice, while the cylinder is partially fillable with water which is used in the rice process. With rice in the container along with water in the cylinder, the apparatus may be shaken to clean the rice. The lid at one end of the cylinder may be removed to exchange or remove the water without a consequent loss of rice, while the opposite lid is removable to permit the removal of the rice from the cylinder. A rice screen sweeper is also provided to remove any rice which sticks to the screen mesh container. Additionally, at least one of the lids includes indentations which permit an exact measuring of the amount of salt to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: Marilyn Horton
  • Patent number: 4721393
    Abstract: An upstanding container including an upwardly opening fill neck is provided. An upstanding tubular compartment assembly is downwardly removably positionable within the container through the fill neck and includes upper and lower openings communicating the interior of the assembly with the interior of the container exteriorly of the assembly. The assembly includes structure by which the upper and lower openings may be selectively opened and closed and upstanding internal liquid volume displacement structure is removably and downwardly insertable into the assembly for selectively varying the internal volume thereof in order to enale different ratio mixes of two liquids to be formed within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Inventor: Gerald M. Kwast
  • Patent number: 4632441
    Abstract: A scoop for picking up particulate, granular, or penetrable solids. The scoop itself is a rugged one-piece construction that has a bucket member which is pushed into solids to be scooped in a normal "open" position. The scoop is constructed in the shape of a wedge to facilitate entry into the mass of solids and allows the force exerted on the scoop by the solids to assist in closing of the scoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Zymark Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond R. Dunlap
  • Patent number: 4616867
    Abstract: A measuring scoop having a housing including a peripheral wall with an elongated flat portion for engagement with a flat support surface. A handle is formed with the housing at a position spaced apart from the elongated flat portion. The housing defines an open ended chamber adapted to receive a predetermined amount of chopped, diced or ground food product by sliding the scoop across the flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Inventor: John J. O'Hara
  • Patent number: 4587846
    Abstract: A measuring device for medicinal products in powder or granular form comprising a clear transparent tubular body portion closed at one end and extended at the other end thereof with an integral outwardly tapering hopper-like portion. The tubular body portion is provided with graduation marks indicating the weight of active substance contained in the medicinal product, the volume of which is equal to the volume of the tubular body portion comprised between the corresponding mark and the inner surface of the closed end. The tubular body portion may be attached via the closed end thereof to a stand capable of serving as a base supporting the measuring device in the vertical position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Inventor: Concepcion Coma Julia
  • Patent number: 4392806
    Abstract: There is disclosed an ice-cream scoop including a semispherical bowl, a handle extending from and rigid with the bowl and an ejector pivotally mounted on the handle adjacent the bowl to separate the ball of ice-cream from the bowl. The bowl has a bottom opening and a slot communicating with the bottom opening and extending to the rim of the bowl. The handle is formed with a cavity adjacent the bowl, said cavity opening at the top and bottom of the handle and communicating with the slot. The ejector comprises an arcuate tongue conforming to the interior and exterior surfaces of the bowl and to the shape of the bottom opening and of the slot, so that when the tongue is bottomed in the bowl, it fills the bottom opening and the slot, and is substantially flush with both interior and exterior surfaces of the bowl. The ejector further includes a lever arm rigid with the tongue extending in the cavity of the handle and accessible from both the top and bottom of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Inventor: Laurent Houle
  • Patent number: 4335609
    Abstract: Improvements in measuring cups used in kitchens to receive and accurately measure quantities of foodstuffs; improvements in foodstuff measuring cups which enable the accumulation, compacting and measuring of precise amounts of usually difficultly measured materials such as ice cream, cottage cheese, crushed and drained fruits and the like; an insert base and a compacting top member useable with a food stuff measuring cup to receive, compact or level and measure foodstuffs of various sorts and, thereafter, remove the measured quantity of foodstuff from the measuring cup or vessel; devices for precisely measuring nonlevel seeking foodstuffs of all sorts in a conventional measuring cup, which devices receive, compact or level and aid in controlled removal of the measured foodstuffs with respect to the measuring cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Inventor: Carol A. Saulsbury
  • Patent number: 4334361
    Abstract: A pasta gauge for mechanically selecting specific quantities of elongated dried pasta, such as spaghetti, the gauge comprising a container to be filled with said pasta, said container having an endpiece capable of being adjusted so as to form in one end of the gauge an aperture of a predetermined area or of one of a plurality of predetermined areas, said aperture representing a specific quantity of said pasta, which quantity is selected from a larger bundle of dried pasta members within the gauge by tilting said gauge so that said specific quantity of pasta members slides through the aperture while the remaining pasta noodles are supported by the area surrounding the aperture and remain within the gauge, said specific quantity of pasta members thus being separated from the remainder of the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1982
    Inventors: Carol A. Gorski, Saul B. Gorski
  • Patent number: 4283951
    Abstract: Measuring and dispensing apparatus for accurately measuring and dispensing a precise volume of granular material or the like includes a cup portion having an upper rim defined by a downwardly and inwardly tapering side wall and defining a desired interior volume up to the plane defined by the upper edge of the rim, a handle portion having one end thereof fixed to the cup portion and a substantially cylindrical leveler member located over the cup portion having a downwardly and inwardly tapering inner surface which in the normal position of the leveler member forms a substantial extension of the side wall of the upper rim of the cup portion. A mechanism provided for moving the leveler member over the rim of the cup portion and for urging the leveler member back to the normal position. The apparatus is appropriately designed so that any excess granular material is advantageously removed in a manner such that such excess material does not remain on the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Inventor: Leonid Varpio
  • Patent number: 4165565
    Abstract: A food meter comprising a base and four upstanding walls defining three spaces for the metering of spaghetti-like food. The spaces are generally in the form of troughs and are of graduated width for the selective metering of the food. A hole is made in the base for hanging the instrument if so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1979
    Inventors: Michel Cloutier, Yves Doucet, Gilles Jutras, Pierre Gagne
  • Patent number: 4154109
    Abstract: Measuring receptacle means comprising a plurality of cup members, each having an open top and bottom, with a removable bottom closure means in common with the cup members. Each cup member is of a different volume than the other cup members. Removable bottom plate means slidably closes the bottoms of the cup members such that the individual cup members are fillable with a measured material from the top when the bottom plate is in closure relation, and emptied from the bottom when the bottom plate is slidably removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1979
    Inventor: Shirley J. P. Kelson
  • Patent number: 4135404
    Abstract: A gas cap includes an integral container portion downwardly extending therefrom and adapted to measure the proper amount of oil to be added to the fuel tank of a gasoline two-cycle IC engine. The cap portion of the device is adapted to be hand-held both in closing the tank and in manipulating the tubular container portions thereof for measurement of the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Inventor: Edward J. Butler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4094648
    Abstract: A cup-shaped receptacle is semi-surrounded by a shroud which is preferably integral with the receptacle and extends outwardly from the top thereof, then down in spaced relation to the sides of the receptacle to a plane level with or lower than the bottom of the receptacle. The rear of the shroud is open to permit access to the receptacle by the fingers of a person holding it, the rear opening being flanged to provide a shield to prevent spillage of urine upon the hand of the holder. The shroud is stiffly resilient and serves both as a shield against urine spillage and to stably support the cup upon a flat supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1978
    Assignee: Plastofilm Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Seeley
  • Patent number: 4033190
    Abstract: A precision measuring device for accurately measuring large volumes of liquids which includes a primary measuring vessel having a predetermined overflow level together with an overflow saver vessel for the purpose of catching and saving any liquid above the desired measured amount. Primary valve means at the bottom of the primary measuring vessel allows for easy and complete discharge of said primary vessel after the measuring process takes place while a secondary valve between the overflow saver vessel and the primary vessel permits any excess liquid which has overflowed from the primary vessel into the saver vessel to be emptied into the primary vessel at the beginning of the next measuring operation. An additional displacement structure is also employed to permit accurate changes in measured amounts within the primary vessel. The primary vessel is also mounted on trunnions to permit rapid dumping of the measured contents when so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Inventor: Henry S. Hudspeth
  • Patent number: 4002075
    Abstract: Liquid-measuring apparatus for measuring the drainage of urine from a patient comprises a measuring cylinder and a bag which is of substantially larger capacity than the cylinder and is situated beneath the cylinder. Tubing extends downwardly to the bag from within a compartment of the cylinder, the compartment being formed by an additional tube which is closed at its upper end and perforated near its lower end. The cylinder is vented to ambient atmospheric pressure above the level of the upper end of the tubing connected to the bag. Every time urine collected in the cylinder reaches this level, an automatic siphon action drains a predetermined quantity of the urine from the cylinder, through the compartment and the tubing, into the bag. The total quantity of urine drained from the patient can be measured at any time by means of a coarse reading taken from the bag and a fine reading taken from the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Limited
    Inventor: David E. Cross
  • Patent number: 3938370
    Abstract: A device for facilitating rapid and accurate determination or measurement of sedimentation rates of fluid suspensions, e.g. erythrocytes in blood plasma, includes a sedimentation tube having open upper and lower ends, a scale with a zero point adjacent the upper end of the tube, and means for selectively opening and closing the tube adjacent said upper end, said means having a surface portion extending across the tube when the tube is closed, which surface portion is located precisely at the zero point in the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1976
    Assignee: Intermedicat GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Kirsch, Wolfgang Buhler