Patents Examined by Dinh Q. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8256471Abstract: This storage facility (I) comprises at least one light fuel tank (C1, C2, C3) and at least one heavy fuel tank (C4), each one of the tanks being equipped with a vent pipe (12, 22, 32, 42). All of the vent pipes open into the same collector (14) intended to communicate these pipes with one another and to be connected to a tank (10) of a delivery vehicle. Furthermore, whether respectively associated with a light fuel tank or a heavy fuel tank, the vent pipes are provided with means (13, 23, 33, 43) for condensing the vent gases flowing through these pipes, the condensates from these condensation means being discharged into the or at least one of the light fuel tanks. It is thus possible to minimize the discharge of light fuel vapors from the facility, whether into the atmosphere or into the tank of the delivery vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignees: IFPInventor: Serge Albert Pierre Selles
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Patent number: 8251256Abstract: A method is provided for dispensing a controlled quantity of a granular material. The method employs a dispenser including a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. The dispenser is first positioned in a loading orientation for the outflow of material from the reservoir through a nozzle to a metering cup. A baffle positioned proximate the opening of the metering cup stabilizes the controlled volume directed into the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted. Then, the volume of material is directed from the cup through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser, through which the material is spread.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.Inventor: Keith E. Antal, Sr.
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Patent number: 8246264Abstract: A cosmetic applicator for transporting and applying cosmetic material, including a rotating applicator tip which, when rotated, dispenses cosmetic material onto the tip such that the user does not need to periodically dip the applicator tip into a reservoir of cosmetic material.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Albea ServicesInventors: Michael Malvar, Volker Schrepf, Caroline DeFrance
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Patent number: 8245954Abstract: The purpose of the present device is to provide a simply-configured showerhead at a low price wherein the shower water is stopped simultaneously with the operation of the stop cock of the shower. Thus, sparing the user an unnecessary action of reattempting to turn off the stop cock. The showerhead comprises at least a body having a large channel and small channel defining a step and being in communication with each other. Further, nozzle is provided at one end of the showerhead and a water supply connection is provided at the other end. A partition tube may be inserted in the large channel to form an air-inflow chamber between the partition tube and the body. Thus, air may be introduced from an outer air-suction port into the water-inflow chamber through an inner air-suction port.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Tanaka Metal Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiro Tanaka, Haruhiko Yasue
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Patent number: 8240581Abstract: A system includes a portable liquid container having at least two chambers for containing at least two liquids separate and an apparatus having at least two separate input tubes configured for drawing liquid from the chambers. At least two separate output tubes are configured for passing at least two separate liquids to a user's mouth. A valve assembly includes a lower portion having at least two input connectors each joined to a one of the input tubes. An upper portion has at least two output connectors each joined to a one of the output tubes. An adjustable valve portion determines proportions of liquids in the separate chambers that are passed to the user's mouth where the liquids remain separate until reaching the user's mouth, and where liquids drawn back down the input tubes and the output tubes into the chambers remain substantially separated.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Martin Joseph Markley
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Patent number: 8240514Abstract: The chemical distribution system (100) includes at least a first chamber that is fluidly coupled to a second chamber below it, which is in turn fluidly coupled to a manifold below it. In use, water and a powdered chemical are introduced into the first chamber. Liquid chemicals, however, are injected into the second chamber through multiple chemicals inlets in the second chamber. A pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the first chamber is used to accurately measure dosages of the liquid chemical. Once the accurate dosages have been determined, the powdered and/or liquid chemicals are distributed through one of multiple manifold outlets and along a single line (116(a), 116(b)) to one of multiple washing machines (102(a), 102(b)).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Diversey, Inc.Inventors: James W. Livingston, Michael A. Steed, Scott D. E. Alhart
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Patent number: 8235076Abstract: An enclosure is filled with a filling gas according to the disclosed method. An enclosure is provided having an interior, a width, a height, a thickness, and fluid filling and exit holes fluidly communicating with the interior. Filling of the enclosure is commenced by directing a flow of the filling gas at a filling flow rate into the fluid filling hole. An oxygen concentration of gas exiting the fluid exit hole is sensed. The filling of the enclosure is stopped when the sensed oxygen concentration reaches a threshold concentration, wherein the threshold oxygen concentration and/or the filling flow rate are selected by a Decision Support Tool based upon the width, height, and/or the thickness.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventors: Philippe A. Coignet, Pascal J. Tromeur, Justin J. Wang
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Patent number: 8235129Abstract: A fire suppression apparatus includes a canister containing a non-azide solid propellant chemical that generates an oxygen-displacing gas mixture when ignited; a pyrotechnic device associated with the canister for initiating ignition of the solid propellant chemical to generate the oxygen-displacing gas mixture; and at least one filter associated with the canister for filtering out contents of the oxygen-displacing gas mixture to result in a clean agent fire suppressant deliverable into a space. The fire suppression apparatus is preferably configured for use in fire suppression systems for normally occupied spaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: N2 Towers Inc.Inventors: Adam Tartar Richardson, Joseph Michael Bennett
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Patent number: 8230533Abstract: Disclosed are trap valve assemblies for controlling flow from a toilet bowl to a trap way. In one form there is a cartridge unit positionable immediately below a toilet bowl discharge outlet. It has a pivotable gate in a form of a spherical segment. The gate has an eccentric pivoting motion so that it can swing from an open position to a blocking/closing position in which it fully contacts a sealing gasket. The spherical segment has a leading edge which is approximately between +40° and ?40° from vertical when the gate is in an open position, to minimize the energy required to close the gate. In another form a ball and socket connection to the gate valve facilitates sealing.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Thomas C. Jorsch, Benjamin W. Marotz, Charles R. Kopplin, Jeffrey F. Tempas
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Patent number: 8231294Abstract: A cosmetic applicator for retaining a plurality of cosmetic members for selective extension and retraction with a housing, a revolver chamber rotatably retained within the housing, a plurality of cosmetic members disposed within longitudinal tubes circumferentially spaced relative to the revolver chamber, a slide button retained to slide along a longitudinal channel in the housing, and an end cap for selectively rotating the revolver chamber to induce one of the plurality of cosmetic members to become an active cosmetic member. The end cap can be rotatably retained relative to the housing and drivingly engaged with the revolver chamber with a key and keyhole combination. The housing can have has an eccentric aperture in the distal end thereof and the cosmetic members can be eccentrically disposed relative to the revolver chamber to align selectively with the aperture in the distal end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventors: Dov Grossnass, Thomas F. Holloway
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Patent number: 8230880Abstract: An arrangement for drawing fluid from a sump (10), comprising a pump (24), a draft tube (12) extending from the pump (24), into the sump (10), said draft tube (12) having an opening within the sump (10) and a canopy defined by roof and side walls surrounding said opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2007Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Kirloskar Brothers LimitedInventors: Ramesh Kumar Srivastava, Jagadish Trimbak Kshirsagar, Shyam Narayan Shukla
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Patent number: 8226312Abstract: A valve door for a seal cylinder comprises a lid having first and second surfaces and a connecting means connecting the lid with an actuating mechanism, the connecting means distributes forces from the actuating mechanism across a portion of the first lid surface in order to bias the lid to a closed position. A force directing member is attached to the first lid surface, the force directing member being adapted to distribute force from the connecting means over a portion of the lid surface, thereby maintaining a positive seal and reducing lid deflection.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Sanford, L.P.Inventors: Daniel Rennecker, Russ Vanderhoof
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Patent number: 8220774Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a pilot valve; a solenoid; and a main valve, the main valve having an actuator in communication with a pressure control; the pilot valve may facilitate opening the main valve in proportion to an energized level of the solenoid. The solenoid may move the first disc to isolate the inlet port from the pressure control and/or move the second disc to communicate the outlet port with the pressure control. The actuator may move the second disc to isolate the outlet port from the pressure control and/or move the first disc to communicate the inlet port with the pressure control. The pilot valve may isolate both the inlet port and the outlet port from the pressure control when the pilot valve experiences forces in equilibrium from the solenoid and the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Automatic Switch CompanyInventors: Laurence Vaughan Borst, Frank Alan Ferrarese, Vincent Cole
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Patent number: 8215572Abstract: A fuel-injection system for direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber through a combustion-chamber top arranged opposite a piston has a fuel injector which includes an actuable valve-closure member. The valve-closure member cooperates with a valve-seat surface to form a sealing seat. A multitude of spray-discharge orifices generates a spray cloud, each spray-discharge orifice generating a fuel jet, and the multitude of fuel jets generating the spray cloud in the combustion chamber. A first opening angle of the spray cloud in a first plane is greater than a second opening angle in a second plane extending perpendicular to the first plane.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Manfred Vogel, Werner Herden, Rainer Ecker
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Patent number: 8210449Abstract: A hand-held apparatus for spraying texture material includes a body having a handle, a texture material hopper mounted on the body, and a nozzle extending from the body for spraying texture material. The apparatus also includes an air source connection component operable to connect and disconnect a source of air to and from the body. The air source connection component comprises a first connection structure on the body that is configured to receive a corresponding second connection structure associated with the air source and secure the second connection structure to the body by rotating the second connection structure with respect to the body.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech CorporationInventors: Craig L. Peterson, Anthony J. Torntore, Ross D. Rossner
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Patent number: 8201756Abstract: A fluid delivery device including a fluid reservoir, a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, an electric motor, a bladder in fluid communication with the pump, the bladder including at least in part, an elastic portion, a nozzle valve in fluid communication with the bladder, the nozzle being adjustable from an open mode to a closed mode, and from a closed mode to an open mode, a pressure release valve in fluid communication with the bladder and the fluid reservoir; and an electronic control unit for controlling delivery of the fluid. The invention also encompasses a method of delivering a treating fluid in a fine mist, including powering-up a fluid delivery device, comparing a signal being received from an ambient light sensor to predetermined trigger values consistent with dusk and dawn ambient light conditions, and dispensing treating fluid for a selected duration period on the basis of the signal being received from the ambient light sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Joseph Lee McGowan, Marcellus Rambo Benson, James Augustus Keefe, III
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Patent number: 8196615Abstract: A device and method of using a liquid/air pressure testing tool to assist in testing and repairing liquid-filled agricultural tires is herein disclosed. The device provides a valving arrangement to allow alternating fluid transfer and air backfilling of a fluid-filled agricultural tire. The device utilizes quick-disconnect fittings providing quick in-line installation therebetween a fluid pump and a fluid filled tire. The device provides an inline ball valve and an isolation valve, thereby providing isolation of a pumping source and an air back-filling means, respectively. During fluid filling of a tire, the isolation valve allows monitoring of internal tire pressure using a common pressure gauge without removing the device or disconnecting any attached hoses. The device thus eliminates repeated steps when testing or repairing large fluid-filled tires as used on farm tractors and other agricultural machinery.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventor: Jim Browarny
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Patent number: 8191804Abstract: A motorized fertilizer dispenser includes a frustoconical housing having an open upper end in communication with a hollow interior. At a lower end is a dispersal opening. A rotatable sifting blade is positioned within the housing interior and adjacent the dispersal opening. A rotary disc having a plurality of radial blades positioned thereon is situated immediately beneath the dispersal opening. A motor operates both the sifting blade and dispersal disc whereby a desired amount of fertilizer is dropped onto the disc and projected outwardly to a target area.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventor: Sam Pullara, Jr.
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Patent number: 8162010Abstract: A circular filling machine particularly for slender and elongated products, comprising a carousel assembly which supports a plurality of filling funnels which can be inserted in corresponding containers supported by transfer pans, the filling machine further comprising vibration elements for the funnels, vibration elements for the containers, and a tamping assembly for the insertion and final packing of the product in the containers.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Zanichelli Meccanica S.p.A.Inventor: Caterina Pagani
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Patent number: 8156969Abstract: The Invention is an underground storage tank apparatus and method. A buried underground storage tank has a tank sump and a manway defined by a manhole skirt side wall communicating from the surface of the ground to the tank sump. A sediment trap is disposed annularly within the manway and intercepts water and sediment flowing down the manhole skirt wall. An inside wall of the sediment trap is in an annular spaced-apart relation with a tank sump perimeter watt, which together define an annular space interior volume that receives water that overtops the sediment trap inside wall and which receives liquid that overtops the tank sump perimeter wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: J.D. Stein, Inc.Inventor: David E. Stein