Patents Examined by Nicolas A Arnett
  • Patent number: 11673790
    Abstract: A method and system of dispensing a fuel from a fuel tank to a recipient fuel tank. The method includes scanning a tag by a scanner from a smart device, wherein the smart device also comprises a communications processor, recording an initial inventory level of the fuel in the fuel tank, estimating a density of the fuel, opening a valve to dispense a predetermined amount of the fuel, and recording a final inventory level after the dispensing the fuel, upon estimating that the density of the fuel is within a predetermined range, and shutting the valve and communicating to relevant personnel about the difference in fuel density, upon estimating that the density is outside of the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventors: Wisam Nahhas, Joshua Stolberg, Nour Baki
  • Patent number: 11667507
    Abstract: The bottle filling system incorporates a bottle, a fill base structure, and a control structure. The bottle, the fill base structure, and the control structure are fluidically interconnected. The fill base structure and the control structure are electrically interconnected. The control structure controls the flow of a fluid from a pressurized fluid source into the fill base structure. The fill base structure transports the fluid received from the control structure to the bottle. The control structure detects the presence of the bottle relative to the fill base structure. The control structure measures the amount of fluid in the bottle. The control structure automatically replenishes the amount of fluid contained in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas Mullenaux
  • Patent number: 11660646
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system or method for the same may include features or steps for dispensing, via a nozzle, a first fluid from a first fluid storage tank of at least two fluid storage tanks. The fluid storage tanks may be separately fluidly coupled to a manifold via respective fluid supply lines. A fluid delivery line fluidly may couple the nozzle to the manifold. A residual first fluid may remain within the delivery line after the dispensing step. The system or method may further include features or steps for connecting the nozzle to a clearance tank. A clearance outlet line may fluidly couple the clearance tank to the manifold. The system or method may further include features or steps for purging the residual first fluid from the fluid delivery line into the clearance tank and delivering the residual first fluid from the clearance tank to the first fluid storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: OILMEN'S TRUCK TANKS, INC.
    Inventors: John P. Faris, Jr., Robert J. Strong, James H. Hill, III
  • Patent number: 11659858
    Abstract: A system and method for closing and sealing a cone is provided. One embodiment extends a first closing head in a first downward slant onto an open top of the cone filled with the smokable material to form a first fold on the top of the cone; extends a sealing head downward onto the first fold; extends a second closing head in a second downward slant onto the open top of the cone to form a second fold on the top of the cone; extends the sealing head downward onto the first fold and the second fold; extends a third closing head in a third downward slant onto the open top of the cone to form a third fold on the top of the cone; and extends the sealing head downward onto the first fold, the second fold, and the third fold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Cascade Manufacturing Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Giddings, Roger Sunday
  • Patent number: 11654086
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, an access channel, a regulator channel, and a regulator assembly. The access channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. The regulator channel is configured to facilitate a flow of a regulating fluid from the regulator assembly to compensate for changes in volume of a medical fluid in the vial. The regulator assembly can include a valve configured to transition between a closed configuration and an opened configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 11649930
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid storage facility, the storage facility comprising a supporting structure (1) and a tank, the tank having at least one tank bottom wall fixed to the supporting structure (1), wherein the bottom wall has a structure with multiple layers superimposed in a direction of thickness, including at least one sealing membrane and at least one thermal insulation barrier arranged between the sealing membrane and the supporting structure (1), wherein the bottom wall has a sump structure (9) having a rigid container (10, 11) comprising a side wall (12), the container (10, 11) being arranged through the thickness of the bottom wall, and the sump structure (9) comprising at least one fixing means (15) designed to fix the rigid container (11) to the supporting structure (1) at a fixing point, and wherein the at least one fixing means (15) is configured to allow the relative movement of the side wall (12) of the container (11) with respect to the supporting structure (1) in a transverse directi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Gaztransport Et Technigaz
    Inventors: Emmanuel Hivert, Christophe Leconte, Pierre Charbonnier, Mohammed Oulalite, Jean-Damien Capdeville, Geoffrey Detaille
  • Patent number: 11642283
    Abstract: A method for filling a reservoir a filling assembly having a needle, and a fluid. The reservoir is in a disposable housing assembly with a septum fluidly connected to the reservoir, a septum access assembly having a first position covering the septum and a second position providing access to the septum, and a bias mechanism for biasing the septum access assembly to the first position. The method includes piercing the septum with the needle, inserting fluid to the reservoir through the needle, contacting the filling assembly to the septum access assembly, and removing the needle from the septum. Removing the needle from the septum allows the bias mechanism to move the septum access assembly from the second position to the first position. The disposable housing assembly is attached to a reusable housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., Richard J. Lanigan, Stephen L. Fichera, Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 11640915
    Abstract: Electronic device processing systems including an equipment front end module (EFEM) with a side storage pod are described. The EFEM includes an EFEM chamber and a recirculation duct. The side storage pod is fluidly coupled to the recirculation duct. The side storage pod includes an interior chamber and a side storage container disposed within the interior chamber. The side storage container is configured to receive one or more substrates from the EFEM chamber. The electronic device processing system further includes an environmental control system. The environmental control system is configured to circulate a purge gas between the EFEM chamber and the side storage pod via the recirculation duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul B. Reuter, Dean C. Hruzek, Nir Merry, John C. Menk, Douglas B. Baumgarten
  • Patent number: 11634245
    Abstract: A dosing unit for a machine for producing unit dose articles includes a plurality of nozzles carried by respective movable elements and associated to fluid delivery lines, and a plurality of controlled valves associated to respective actuators and arranged for selectively opening and closing a passage of fluid through said fluid delivery lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Fameccanica.Data S.p.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Antonioli, Oscar Centorame, Diego Gualtieri, Francesco D'Aponte
  • Patent number: 11633328
    Abstract: A bag for containing a biopharmaceutical product includes at least one fluid input/output port and a measurement opening remote from the fluid port. A probe holder port has a body with an axial through-bore and a peripheral collar with a second fastening zone and defining a fastening plane. A contact probe, extending in the axial through-bore, is assembled on the probe holder port, has an active measurement end portion in contact with the product, and has an end portion opposite the end portion. The probe holder port includes a transition portion between the body and the collar, which extends between a radially central end portion of the collar and a first axial end portion of the body. The first axial end portion is the axial end portion closest to the radially central end portion of the collar. The first axial end portion is disposed on the outer side relative to the fastening plane, and the active measurement end portion is axially disposed on the outer side relative to the fastening plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM FMT SAS
    Inventors: Alain Pallares, Shuai Yi, Mathilde Salaun, Andreas Prediger, Julia Lueders, Thomas Regen
  • Patent number: 11629044
    Abstract: A fluid exchanger may exchange a fluid (e.g., coolant) in a reservoir (e.g., vehicle radiator) by removing or withdrawing a first fluid (e.g., old, spent, used, etc.) and by introducing a second fluid (e.g., new, clean, etc.). For example, the fluid exchanger may use a negative pressure, suction, or vacuum to draw the first fluid from the reservoir, and subsequently, the second fluid may be transferred into the reservoir using a negative pressure held in the reservoir, a positive pressure applied to the second fluid, or a combination thereof. The fluid exchanger may also include a multi-purpose, hand-held nozzle that can change an operation of the fluid exchanger from a withdrawing mode to a dispensing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: BG Intellectuals, Inc
    Inventors: Michael J. Erwin, Bradley Robert Young, Lucas Mitchell Shaw, Thomas Michael Probus, John Daniel Cheek
  • Patent number: 11628956
    Abstract: A dosing unit for a machine for producing unit dose articles includes a plurality of nozzles carried by respective movable elements and associated to respective dosing chambers, a plurality of plungers reciprocally movable into respective dosing chambers between respective retracted and advanced positions, and a rotary fluid distributor including at least one stationary inlet and a plurality of movable outlets fluidically connected to the respective dosing chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Fameccanica.Data S.p.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Antonioli, Oscar Centorame, Diego Gualtieri, Francesco D'Aponte
  • Patent number: 11623853
    Abstract: A fluid supply apparatus includes a container supply holder configured to supply a container to a cap separator using a loading box, the container including a detachable nozzle cap, and configured to store a process fluid, a cap separator configured to receive the container from the loading box and separate the nozzle cap from a container body of the container using a cap clamper and a rotation actuator, the cap clamper configured to clamp and hold the nozzle cap, and the rotation actuator configured to rotate the container body, a fluid supplier configured to supply the process fluid contained in the container body through a fluid supply line, and a controller configured to control the container supply holder, the cap separator, and the fluid supplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kibeom Kil, Dongsoo Lee, Wooram Oh, Sangho Jang
  • Patent number: 11622912
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aseptically filling a container utilizing an adaptor formed of severable and heat-sealable material connected to a tube and container. The adaptor includes a membrane which is unsealed to allow filling by a known filling machine. Once the adaptor tube and container is formed as a unit, it is sterilized. The adaptor is then severed and sealed, creating a usable aseptic liquid product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: TORR INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Chris C. Rutter, Timothy E. Orr
  • Patent number: 11619351
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a combined defuel and priority panel for a fueling station. The defuel and priority panel is configured to defuel a compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle and direct the defueled gas to fuel other CNG vehicles at the panel fueling and defueling site. The defuel and priority panel is also configured to store defueled gas in defuel storage tanks, which can then be used to later fuel CNG vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Opal Fuels LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Kubista, Martin Edward Lucas, Claudiu Dorian Pruteanu
  • Patent number: 11613458
    Abstract: A tanker truck offloading system and method. The tanker truck offloading system includes a manifold in fluid communication with a tank and a plurality of tanker truck offloading stations, a tanker truck coupling at an open end of the manifold at each of the plurality of tanker truck offloading stations, and an air separator in fluid communication with the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Dean Grose
  • Patent number: 11612178
    Abstract: A method of preserving an oxygen sensitive item is disclosed. The method involves injecting at least 0.15 gram of an inert gas into a container comprising the oxygen sensitive item and oxygen, without raising a pressure within the container above 10 psig, to form a barrier layer of the inert gas between the oxygen sensitive item and the oxygen in the container without displacing all of the oxygen from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Ryan Phillip Frederickson
  • Patent number: 11608257
    Abstract: A filling method includes sealing a container against a filling element of a filling system, after the container has been sealed against the filling element and before beginning a filling phase, connecting the container to an annular vacuum duct, while the container is connected to the vacuum duct, carrying out an evacuation-and-flushing step in which the container is evacuated and flushed with flushing gas that comprises steam from an annular steam duct that carries pressurized steam, connecting the container to an annular pre-tensioning duct, pre-loading the container with inert gas from the pre-tensioning duct, filling the container with the liquid, and relieving pressure into the vacuum duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Patent number: 11597541
    Abstract: A filling aid. The filling aid includes a locking portion including a groove feature; and a locking feature having a locked and an unlocked position; and a filling syringe holder slidably attached to the locking portion, the filling syringe holder including a filling needle cradle portion having a tongue feature; and a needle housing portion comprising at least one tab having a starting position and a filling position, wherein the groove feature configured to accommodate the tongue feature, and wherein the locking feature interact with the filling syringe holder wherein when the locking feature moves from the locked position to the unlocked position the needle housing portion moves from the starting position to the filling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Richard J. Lanigan, Kevin L. Grant, Lisa A. Gustin, Timothy D. Moreau
  • Patent number: 11598485
    Abstract: A computer-controlled method of automatically purging and precooling a hydrogen fuel line prior to transferring hydrogen fuel from a source to a storage tank includes purging moisture from a hydrogen fuel line. The hydrogen fuel line is configured to fluidically couple a hydrogen tanker storage tank and a fueling station storage tank, the hydrogen storage tanker storage tank and the fueling station storage tank configured to store liquid hydrogen. The method also includes pre-cooling the hydrogen fuel line, causing hydrogen fuel to flow through the hydrogen fuel line to re-fill the fueling station storage tank, and expelling residual hydrogen fuel from the hydrogen fuel line when the fueling station storage tank re-filling is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: FirstElement Fuel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ghassan Sleiman, Tim Brown