Patents Examined by Patrick Buechner
  • Patent number: 6354566
    Abstract: Live loaded valve stem packing wherein grafoil packing is molded into a metal cap that prevents extrusion of the packing, and has live loading built into the metal cap. This metal cap can be conventional flat spring materials (17-7PH S.S. or 302 S.S.) or a Shape Memory Alloy (commonly known as SMA materials, e.g. Ni—Ti (Nickel-Titanium alloy) or Fe—Si—Mn (Iron-Silicon-Manganese alloy). The cap is designed with a singular hump, entirely along its top surface. On this hump there are two slots through the hump, 180 degrees apart, for ease of removing the packing. Upon assembly of the packing box, the hump is elastically flattened out due to axial loading through the fasteners. As the packing consolidates during service (optionally if the cap is SMA, during temperature increases) the hump deflects to maintain a relatively constant or enhanced axial load on the packing to enhance sealing, even during a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon M. Smith, Hashimali Merchant
  • Patent number: 6352176
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing system compensates for varying fuel source flow rate requirements based on fuel dispenser feedback signals. A pumping system pumps fuel from one or more fuel sources to one or more fuel dispensers through associated conduits. When actively dispensing fuel, each fuel dispenser monitors its actual fuel discharge rate and adjusts an integral flow control device to maintain a nominal fuel discharge rate. When an active fuel dispenser fails to achieve its nominal fuel discharge rate, it indicates this condition to the pumping system via its dispenser feedback signal. In response, the pumping system increases its pumping rate until the fuel dispenser achieves its nominal fuel discharge rate. Other active fuel dispensers adjust their flow control devices as needed to maintain their nominal fuel discharge rate in response to the adjusted pumping rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hal C. Hartsell, Jr., Brent K. Price
  • Patent number: 6347729
    Abstract: A hose coupling apparatus for removably coupling a hose to a discharge opening of a spray unit includes an elongate hose retainer having a plug end and a stem end. The hose retainer defines a longitudinal fluid passageway extending therethrough from the plug end to the stem end. The plug end is configured for being received within the discharge opening of the spray unit. The stem end is configured for being coupled to the hose. At least one locking tab is disposed intermediate the plug end and the stem end. Each of the at least one locking tab is configured for being disposed within a corresponding slot defined by a neck which surrounds the discharge opening of the spray unit, thereby precluding rotation of the hose retainer relative to the neck. A hose nut defines a hose bore therethrough. The hose bore is configured for receiving the hose such that the hose nut is slidable over the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Chapin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Clark F. Spriegel
  • Patent number: 6345803
    Abstract: The piezoelectric element laminate 20 which expands due to application of a voltage is disposed between a diaphragm valve 11 applied with elastic force in a valve opening direction and a valve spring mechanism 25, a distortion amount a of the piezoelectric element laminate 20 in expansion is set to be larger than an opening/closing stroke b of the diaphragm valve 11, and a spring seat 28 separates from a second stopper 30 due to a difference c between the distortion amount a and the opening/closing stroke b. As a result, when the piezoelectric element laminate 20 expands to seat the diaphragm valve 11 on a valve seat 10, the valve spring 29 is compressed and repulsing force of the valve spring 29 acts on the diaphragm valve 11 through the piezoelectric element laminate 20 and the diaphragm valve 11 is pressed against the valve seat 10 by the repulsing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Toyonobu Sakurai
  • Patent number: 6343714
    Abstract: An anti-graffiti aerosol spray can (10) that features an internal spray head valve control assembly (60). The assembly (60) includes a spray head valve actuator (62) that can consist of a solenoid (63), a valve (65), a bi-metallic detent structure (122) or any other electrically-operated device having an open and shut mechanism. The internal spray head valve control assembly (60) operates by the application of an electrical power source (98) that is applied from two electrically isolated sections of the spray can (12). The assembly (60) can be designed to be operated by an electrical device that is attached directly to the aerosol spray can (12), or the assembly (60) can be operated by an RF receiver (150) that is energized by a remotely-located RF transmitter (152) that is energized by a d-c power supply (154) connected to a 120-vac, 60 Hz utility power source (156).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Electro Spray Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde L. Tichenor
  • Patent number: 6343722
    Abstract: A fixing element (10) for fixing a dispenser member (20), such as a pump or a valve, to the neck (31) of a container (30) containing a substance to be dispensed, with a neck gasket (1) being interposed, the neck gasket having an inner edge (2) and an outer edge (3) for providing sealing at the neck (31) of the container (30), the fixing element (10) including a dispenser member receiving portion (11) for receiving the dispenser member (20) and a fixing portion (12) for fixing to the neck (31) of the container (30), the fixing element (10) being characterized in that it further includes a holding portion (13) for receiving and holding the neck gasket (1), the annular gasket (1) being held in the holding portion (13) of the fixing element (10) at its inner edge (2) only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventor: Patrick Di Giovanni
  • Patent number: 6334550
    Abstract: A dose measuring apparatus which enables an accurate dosing of a liquid includes two cylindrical sleeves, namely a lower part which is completely closed at the bottom and serves as reservoir for collecting the amount of liquid to be closed, and an upper part which is screwed on to the lower part and is provided with a pouring orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Jan De Backer
  • Patent number: 6325251
    Abstract: A combination fuel tank and tool holder apparatus having dual fuel compartments for gasoline and oil and hand pumps. Holders for chain saw tools such as a saw wedge, chip brush, saw files, and a screwdriver and socket wrench combination are provided on three sides of the plastic apparatus in a first embodiment. In a second embodiment, the fuel tank lacks external holders, which holders are on a canvas cover with apertures on top for the handle and hand pumps. The holders are lined with polyvinyl inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. Santos
  • Patent number: 6325248
    Abstract: A container assembly is provided for dispensing a mixture of a primary composition. The container assembly includes an outer container extending along the longitudinal axis and defining a chamber for receiving the primary composition therein. A collapsible inner container is positioned from the outer container and defines a chamber for receiving the secondary composition therein. A dispensing member simultaneously urges the primary composition from the outer container and the secondary composition from the inner container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Corba
  • Patent number: 6321940
    Abstract: An injection apparatus which can reduce frictional resistance which acts on resin during an injection step to thereby prevent variation in a reference position and improve quality of molded products. The injection apparatus comprises a heating cylinder; a screw disposed within the heating cylinder to be rotatable and reciprocatable, the screw having a flight portion in which a flight is formed on an outer circumference of a screw body, and a screw head disposed at a front end of the flight portion; a first drive unit for rotating the screw; a second drive unit for advancing and retracting the screw; a screw-advancement control unit for driving the second drive unit in an injection step in order to advance the screw at a predetermined screw speed; and a flight speed control unit for driving the first drive unit in the injection step in order to advance the flight at a flight speed that is apparently lower than the screw speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Imatomi, Tomohiro Hirano
  • Patent number: 6321951
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a product from a container under pressure of a propellant by means of a composite piston (138). The apparatus has a valve (104) operated by means of an actuator (108) and a lever (166). The actuator co-operates with the valve and lever by means of a screw thread arrangement (110), such that turning actuator relative to the lever varies the flow rate of product out of the apparatus. The valve is a hollow cylindrical tube (104) which is open at one end and closed at the second end, either permanently or by means of a flap valve (112) which allows insertion of the product. A number of ports (116) are arranged around the circumference of the tube (104) adjacent to the second end to allow product to flow through the valve when the lever is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Rocep Lusol Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Bernard Dereck Frutin
  • Patent number: 6321946
    Abstract: A two-component resin or adhesive dispensing system comprises a pair of activator and resin or adhesive metering pumps and a drive motor. The drive motor is a hydraulic drive motor driven by means of a hydraulic pump which, in turn, is driven by means of an air motor coupled thereto. The metering pumps are separately and independently driven by the hydraulic drive motor through means of sprocket and chain drive systems, and the metering pumps are mounted upon adjustably movable mounting brackets such that their relative disposition may be readily altered so as to accommodate different sized sprocket members which will then alter the drive output of the metering pumps in order to change the ratio of the amount of activator material dispensed with respect to the amount of resin or adhesive material dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bhavesh B. Merchant
  • Patent number: 6318599
    Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Peter W. Estelle, Laurence B. Saidman, Paul Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6318594
    Abstract: A soft container and handling system for transporting, handling, and dispensing flowable dry goods, the container having a resealable discharge chute extending from a bottom wall portion and arranged to allow gravity induced discharge of goods when raised above a surface and to be closed against an upper portion of the container to prevent flow with the container supported on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Burleigh M. Hutchins
  • Patent number: 6318595
    Abstract: A molded, unitary overcap structure for assembly on a finger-operable spray pump dispensing package is provided so that it can be subsequently modified to a two-piece, ready-to-use condition operatively engaged with a discharge tube of the pump. The actuator has a top surface and a periphery. The actuator defines an outlet, an inlet cavity, and an internal discharge passage extending between the outlet and the inlet cavity. The inlet cavity has a configuration and size for sealingly receiving the end of the discharge tube in a friction-fit engagement. A shell surrounds the periphery of the actuator. The shell has an open top providing access to the top surface of the actuator and has a notch adjacent the outlet to permit the discharge of product from the outlet as the actuator is depressed relative to the shell. A plurality of tabs each extends from the actuator to the shell. Each tab is connected to the shell with a frangible web to hold the actuator at an initial, as-molded position relative to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: SeaquistPerfect Dispensing Foreign, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Walters
  • Patent number: 6315161
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing multi-component foamable fluid plastic materials such as polyurethane foams. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber defined by an axial passage in a support body structure. The mixing chamber receives reactant fluids for mixing then allows the fluids to exit through an opening at one end of the axial passage. Two fluid inlet openings in a wall of the axial passage admit reactant fluid into the mixing chamber. Two mixing chamber fluid inlets formed in the support body structure communicate reactant fluid sources with the mixing chamber through the inlet openings. When retracted, a valve needle in the axial passage exposes the inlet openings to admit reactant fluids into the mixing chamber. When advanced, the needle closes off the inlet openings and pushes the mixed fluids from the mixing chamber. The valve needle includes three parallel helical grooves that help purge the mixing chamber of unreacted and reacted fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Jesco Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon J. Bezaire, Robert D. Snyder, Roney J. Matijega
  • Patent number: 6315171
    Abstract: A product dispenser including a body housing defining a product cavity for holding a product, a piston movably disposed within the product cavity and a ram assembly aligned with the piston, the ram assembly being adjustable between a storage position for engaging the piston at a storage height and a dispensing position for engaging the piston at a dispensing height, the dispensing height being larger than the storage height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Plastek Group
    Inventors: Peter Piscopo, Richard Seager
  • Patent number: 6302297
    Abstract: A valve configured for use with a fuel cell in both a disengaged position, in which the valve has not established fluid communication with the fuel cell, and an engaged position, in which the valve has established fluid communication with the fuel cell. The valve includes a body having a first formation for maintaining the disengaged position, and a second formation for maintaining the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Richardson, Valery G. Vanstaan, Mohamed K. Wagdy, Sandra J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6299024
    Abstract: A mixing valve assembly is provided for a container structure. The mixing valve assembly includes a valve stem having an inlet within the container structure and an outlet external of the container structure. The valve stem is movable between a first depressed position wherein the composition is retained in the container structure and a second position wherein the composition exits the container structure through the outlet of the valve stem. A generally concave biasing structure extends from the valve stem and urges the valve stem toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Corba
  • Patent number: 6299032
    Abstract: An actuator for aerosol spray cans utilizing a toe, as a pivot point, to engage the inside recess on the cup rim bead of the can (the bead which surrounds the spray nozzle) and a heel portion that extends against the valve stem mount. The body and handle of the actuator extend from the toe and heel upward and over the spray nozzle of the can with the handle being positioned approximately perpendicular to the direction of the spray exhaust of the can. Spray action is initiated by depressing the handle of the actuator with forefinger or thumb, causing the toe of the actuator to act as a pivot in the inside recess of the cup rim bead and the heel to slide against the valve stem mount. A protrusion on the body of the actuator depresses the aerosol spray nozzle creating a spray exhaust. The end of the actuator handle is formed to insert into the spray can cap and is used as a pry for removing the cap from the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: George W. Hamilton