With Vehicle Guide Or Support, E.g., Service Station Patents (Class 137/234.6)
  • Patent number: 11708018
    Abstract: A frame assembly for supporting and mounting a box compartment over and around a flat bed of a flatbed tow truck is described. The frame assembly includes a frame attached to a chassis of a flatbed tow truck. The frame includes at least one left and at least one right side support beams, at least one left and at least one right horizontal connection beams, two or more left side and two or more right side vertical support beams, at least two cross-beams, and at least one vertical connection beam. One or more of the at least two cross-beams is connected to the chassis and is further connected at each of its ends to the left and right side support beams. Each vertical connection beam is connected to either the left or right horizontal connection beam and is oriented generally vertically for attachment of a box compartment to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: EM SIL Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Silveri
  • Patent number: 11700978
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted hand sanitizing system includes a fluid storage container having a main body and connectors for securement along or within a motor vehicle. A pump is in communication with the main body and a power supply. At least one mirror dispensing unit is connected to the pump by a control and supply line. Each of the at least one mirror dispensing units includes an automobile mirror assembly having a mirror housing, attachment column, mirrored surface, and a fluid discharge nozzle. A control switch is disposed along the mirror housing and is connected to a controller located within the at least one mirror housing. A hand sensor is provided along the mirror housing and is in communication with the control switch to activate the pump upon detecting the presence of a user's hand within a detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Sempier
  • Patent number: 11618563
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a first link to rotate about a pin joint, a second link rotatably coupled to the first link, the second link having a nozzle at a first end and a weight at a second end opposite the first end, and a fluid inlet including a funnel portion and an opening, the funnel portion having a conical taper converging towards the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Barker, Nikhil V. Wagher
  • Patent number: 11584633
    Abstract: A robotic system for fueling or charging a vehicle having a vehicle connector, the robotic system including a robotic arm having a plurality of sequentially arranged articulated links and at least one group of operating cables extending from a proximal end of the arm to terminate at a control link, for controlling the position of that link, the cables each having a path comprising a passage in each successive more proximal link for closely receiving the cable, a flexible conduit operably connected with the robotic arm for delivering a fluid or an electrical current, respectively, to a vehicle, the conduit being connected to a source at a first end and a delivery connector at a second end, and a control system for operating the robotic arm and the hose or cable, wherein the control system directs the robotic arm to engage the vehicle connector with the delivery connector and, upon engagement of the vehicle connector and delivery connector, the control system relaxes the robotic arm to an under-constrained cond
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: OLIVER CRISPIN ROBOTICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Crispin Graham, Christopher David Boyce, Tim Henri Ann Francois, Jason Ralph Gordon Curle, Trevor Owen Hawke
  • Patent number: 11460101
    Abstract: A filling and draining device for filling lubricant into and draining lubricant out of a housing (1), having a lubricant line (2, 21, 22) through which the lubricant passes into the housing (1), during filling, and through which the lubricant passes when the lubricant is drained from the housing (1). The housing (1) has a valve (6) through which the lubricant flows during filling and draining such that, for filling, the valve (6) adopts a first aperture width for the lubricant and, for draining, the valve (6) adopts a second aperture width for the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Sascha Fiesel
  • Patent number: 11441465
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification device is disposed in an exhaust passage of an engine disposed in an engine room defined in a hull, and is configured to remove at least a nitrogen oxide from an exhaust gas discharged from the engine. The exhaust gas purification device includes: a catalytic part including a selective reducing catalyst for selectively reducing the nitrogen oxide; a reducing agent addition device configured to add a reducing agent to the exhaust gas on an upstream side of the catalytic part in a flow direction of the exhaust gas; and a casing configured to contain the catalytic part. At least a part of the casing is disposed inside the engine room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENGINE & TURBOCHARGER, LTD.
    Inventors: Takehiko Kakizakai, Toshihiro Fujii, Hitoshi Ito, Akira Otaki, Tomohide Hashiguchi, Shintaro Ide
  • Patent number: 11263709
    Abstract: A supply information communication system, a communication module, a liquid supply facility, and a supply information communication method are provided. The communication module is mounted on a vehicle to which liquid is supplied from the liquid supply facility. An obtaining section of the liquid supply facility obtains identifying information for identifying the vehicle that is a supply destination of the liquid discharged by a supplying section. A transmitting section of the liquid supply facility transmits supply information to the vehicle identified by the identifying information. The supply information includes information indicating that the liquid has been supplied. The communication module includes a receiving section and a storing section. The receiving section receives the supply information addressed to the vehicle on which the communication module is mounted. The storing section stores the received supply information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuki Sugie, Harufumi Muto, Yosuke Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 11105467
    Abstract: The invention related to a system for control of a hydrogen refueling station. The control of the hydrogen refueling station is optimized according to a high frequency tank profile in a time period between time A and time B. The high frequency tank profile includes selecting a first of the plurality of vessels as supply to the compressor during at least part of the refueling of the vehicle tank, the selection is based on pressure of hydrogen gas in one or more vessels of the supply storage. The control of the hydrogen refueling station is furthermore optimized according to a low frequency tank profile in a time period between time C and time D. The low frequency tank profile includes preparing one or more hydrogen refueling station components to enable a plurality of vehicle tank refuelings in the subsequent time period between time A and time B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: NEL HYDROGEN A/S
    Inventors: Jacob Krogsgaard, Ulrik Torp Svendsen, Jacob Appelt Vibe Svendsen, Joshua Andrew Adams
  • Patent number: 11066088
    Abstract: A detection and positioning method for a train water injection port includes: acquiring train water injection port video images, and performing threshold segmentation on the train water injection port video images to obtain binarized train water injection port video images; processing the binarized train water injection port video images and matching the processed binarized train water injection port video images with a train water injection port template image; detecting a position of the water injection port in the train water injection port video image and comparing the position with a pre-set position range where the water injection port is located; and if the position and the pre-set position range have been matched, then transmitting a matching valid signal to a mechanical device control module to control a mechanical device to move or stop and start or stop water injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: XIDIAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Huixin Zhou, Pei Xiang, Baokai Deng, Yue Yu, Lixin Guo, Dong Zhao, Hanlin Qin, Bingjian Wang, Jiangluqi Song, Huan Li, Bo Yao, Rui Lai, Xiuping Jia, Jun Zhou
  • Patent number: 10679456
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser comprises fuel flow piping defining a flow path from a source of fuel toward a fueling nozzle. A plurality of fuel handling components are disposed along the fuel flow piping. Control electronics, in operative communication with the fluid handling components, include a multi-core processor having at least two processor cores located on a common integrated circuit chip, the at least two processor cores utilizing different operating systems in an asynchronous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Gilbarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Asbell Payne, Rodger K. Williams
  • Patent number: 10655785
    Abstract: A method is provided for refueling a cryogenic pressure vessel of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has: a) a cryogenic pressure vessel having an internal vessel which stores a fluid, an external vessel and heat insulation which is arranged between the internal vessel and the external vessel, at least in certain areas; and b) a controller, wherein the controller is designed to interrupt refueling of the motor vehicle if, in the case of damaged thermal insulation, a lower fluid density limiting value for the fluid in the internal vessel is exceeded. The lower fluid density limiting value is lower than an upper fluid density limiting value for the fluid in the internal vessel in the case of refueling of the internal vessel with intact thermal insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jan-Mark Kunberger
  • Patent number: 10507806
    Abstract: A modular, environmentally friendly mobile fuel distribution station includes a fuel tank, a support structure having a plurality of legs for supporting an operation platform in an elevated position a predetermined distance above ground, an alternative power generation device, the alternative power generation device being one of a solar power generator and a wind power generator for providing primary power to the mobile fuel distribution station and a central platform operatively connected to at least two of the legs, the at least two of the legs bearing the weight of the central platform, wherein the fuel tank and the alternative power generation device are disposed on the operation platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: CAPAT LLC
    Inventors: Jose A. Cajiga, Arturo Cajiga Villar, Vicente Cajiga Villar
  • Patent number: 10150455
    Abstract: A service line for servicing a vehicle includes stations disposed in a serial direction along the service line, each station including a pair of conveyors disposed along the serial direction, a driver side conveyor configured to support and convey driver side tires of the vehicle and a passenger side conveyor configured to support and convey passenger side tires of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: CMT GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Trevor Gile, Charles Gile
  • Patent number: 10035450
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile service module (1) for servicing a large mechanical and/or electrical device (2). The service module (1) comprises a first area (3) arranged to hold the large mechanical and/or electrical device (2), wherein the first area (3) is at least partly enclosed by a first roof part (4), a first left side part (5) and a first right side part (6). The service module (1) also comprises a second area (7) including servicing means (8) for servicing the large mechanical and/or electrical device (2) while located in the first area (3) and wherein the second area (7) is at least partly enclosed by a second roof part (9), a second left side part (10) and a second right side part (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: YOUR GLOBAL SOLUTION APS
    Inventors: Lars Birkkjær Nielsen, Kasper Lyhne Hansen
  • Patent number: 9858627
    Abstract: The fuel distribution system with correction mechanism includes systems and methods for distributing fuel at a plurality of fuel pumps. Fuel is distributed at a first fuel pump and at a second fuel pump. Erroneously, multiple payments are received for the distribution of fuel at the first fuel pump. One of the multiple payments is applied to an outstanding transaction of the second fuel pump. The difference amount between the payment applied to the second fuel pump and an amount associated with the outstanding transaction of the second fuel pump is calculated and resolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Elliott
  • Patent number: 9828232
    Abstract: The invention relates to a withdrawal system (1) for filling and emptying containers and involves a container closure (2) that is inserted into a container opening of a container seating a bung head. An immersion pipe (4) connected to the bung head has an extraction connector element connected to the immersion pipe (4) or the bung head. A transponder generating a transponder signal is provided; a monitoring signal is generated in dependence upon the transponder signal that indicates whether there is a permissible connection of the extraction connector element to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: as Strömungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Szeteli
  • Patent number: 9802810
    Abstract: A method of delivering a selected fuel product having a selected octane level to an operator from a fuel dispenser including a blend manifold, a fuel nozzle, and a fuel hose extending therebetween, including the steps of determining a first volume of a first fuel that is retained in the fuel hose upon completion of a first fueling event, determining a first octane level of the first volume of the first fuel, determining a second volume of a second fuel having a second octane level, and delivering the first fuel volume and the second fuel volume to the operator during a second fueling event, wherein a total volume of fuel equaling the first volume of the first fuel and the second volume of the second fuel has a total octane level that falls within a predetermined limit of the selected octane level of the selected fuel product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon W. Johnson, Christopher A. Oldham, Michael C. Liebal
  • Patent number: 9704367
    Abstract: A clean-room monitoring device for monitoring the interior of a clean-room having a floor in which a removable cover such as a grating or a non-porous cover is disposed, includes: a monitoring camera which captures an image of the removable cover; a monitor which detects the existence of an opening exposed when the removable cover is removed, based on an image signal obtained from the monitoring camera, detects the presence of a workman approaching the opening if it is detected that the opening exists, and outputs a warning signal if the workman is detected; and a warning generator which receives the warning signal from monitor and issues a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Atsushi Suzuki, Kazuya Uoyama, Yoshitaka Konishi, Daisuke Oku, Yoshitada Honda
  • Patent number: 9650235
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for distinguishing the correct type of fuel to be disposed in a vehicle (4) is provided. The apparatus includes an RFID tag (40) disposed on one of a vehicle (4) or a fuel providing means (2), and a radio receiving means (42) disposed on the other of the vehicle (4) or fuel providing means (2). A signal, indicative of a type of fuel, is emitted by the RFID tag (40) and compared with a predetermined radio signal stored in a storage means (41), and a warning is generated on the basis of a determination of correspondence between the detected radio signal and predetermined radio signal. The present invention therefore provides a safe and reliable system that removes or reduces human decision from a refuelling process, and ensures the correct fuel is provided to the vehicle (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ITCICO SPAIN, S.L.
    Inventor: Jude Braden
  • Patent number: 9604563
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure describe a wheeled vehicle having a structure attached thereto and configured to acquire within the interior of the structure a vehicle to be inspected. The structure is configured to receive the vehicle within its interior. In example implementations, the structure is located relative to the wheeled vehicle such that the vehicle to be inspected is loaded into and received within the structure during travel of the wheeled vehicle past the vehicle to be inspected. Having loaded the vehicle into the structure, the vehicle may be inspected. Once inspection is complete, the vehicle may be unloaded from the structure. In example implementations, the structure is located relative to the wheeled vehicle such that the inspected vehicle is unloaded from the structure during travel of the wheeled vehicle past the inspected vehicle. The wheeled vehicle may transport the structure to the site of another vehicle to be inspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Wilson, II, Stephen Lawrence Ihm
  • Patent number: 9517880
    Abstract: A system for automatically containing leakage of liquid from a reservoir includes a surrounding wall, a driving unit, a sensor and a controller unit. The driving unit is configured to drive the surrounding wall to move between containing and non-containing positions. The sensor is capable of generating a detection signal. The controller unit receives the detection signal, and determines whether leakage of liquid from the reservoir has occurred. When it is determined that the leakage of liquid from the reservoir has occurred, the driving unit is actuated by the controller unit to drive the surrounding wall to move from the non-containing position to the containing position for containing the leakage of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Kuo-Chi Chang
  • Patent number: 9222257
    Abstract: A hospital layout comprising a plurality of adjacent OR/intervention rooms (46, 48) uniquely configured and equipped to perform surgical and other interventional procedures, with adjacent intubation rooms (52) configured and equipped to prepare patients for procedures to occur in the OR/intervention rooms and at least one extubation room (54) adjacent the OR/intervention rooms, configured and equipped to post-intervention awaken and extubate patients. A plurality of universal patient rooms (40) are located adjacent the OR/intervention rooms and universal patient rooms, and are configured and equipped to admit patients for surgery/intervention, prepare patients for surgery/intervention, allow patients to recover post-intervention, and discharge patients post-recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: OR21, LLC
    Inventors: Richard F. Dallam, Paul L. Williams, Craig Tagawa, Ernest Bates
  • Patent number: 9169114
    Abstract: An automated fueling system in which an operator remains in their vehicle. The fueling system is configured to obtain transaction information from the operator, align the vehicle relative to a fuel pump, and to deliver the fuel to the vehicle. Once the process is complete, the operator can drive their vehicle away from the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Roland Butler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8960019
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser has internal fuel flow piping, a flow meter located along the internal fuel flow piping, and a displacement sensor operatively connected to the flow meter to generate information representative of an amount of fuel passing through the flow meter. The fuel dispenser also has a control system comprising a memory. In embodiments, however, the control system does not comprise a real-time clock. The fuel dispenser also comprises a synchronization module in electronic communication with the control system. The synchronization module comprises at least one antenna configured to receive a carrier wave modulated with synchronization information. Methods for obtaining accurate time information at the fuel dispenser are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Adam Oldham, Juergen Voss, Joseph Daniel Long
  • Patent number: 8959774
    Abstract: A method of constructing a modular, commercial unit includes arranging components of said commercial unit in separate modules, each of the separate modules having a frame assembly. The modules are then transported to a predetermined location where certain of said separate modules are connected together, via the frame assemblies, to form an operation superstructure. The components are not removed from the separate modules prior to the separate modules being connected via their respective frame assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Jose Cajiga, Arturo Cajiga Villar, Vicente Cajiga Villar
  • Publication number: 20140318629
    Abstract: Bituminous heavy crude oil is kept at elevated temperatures in order to flow and may be transported in one direction, and light hydrocarbons typically comprising of mixtures of components of which the majority will have molecular chain lengths of 2 to 12 carbon atoms, such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Natural Gas Liquids (NGL), light naphtha, natural gasoline and natural gas condensates may be transported in the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Vopak North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Gieskes
  • Patent number: 8646226
    Abstract: An exemplary vehicle service pit includes a first section and a second section abutting each other. A support structure supports the service pit and a joint plate helps hold the first section and the second section in the abutting relationship. Substantially parallel runners are located in the service pit and are secured to the support structure. A glider moveably mounts on the runners. Lights may be included as part of the service pit. An exemplary method for assembling a service pit includes abutting a head section and a foot section and securing a gasket in place over the joint between the head section and the foot section using a joint plate. Optionally, lights are added to the head section, the foot section, or both. Runners of elongate metal with support feet integrally formed are attached to the service pit by bolts, or other suitable fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Peter J. Barram
  • Publication number: 20130327418
    Abstract: A liquid cooling system includes at least one fluid line in fluid communication with an intercooler for circulating a coolant through the intercooler. An inlet port assembly interconnects the intercooler and the at least one fluid line. The inlet port assembly defines an opening for introducing the coolant into the liquid cooling system. The inlet port assembly is rotatable relative to the intercooler and the at least one fluid line between a fill position, in which the opening is disposed in a vertically upright orientation, and at least one operating position, in which the opening is disposed in a non-upright orientation. A shield is moveably positioned relative to the intercooler to define an attached position preventing rotation of the inlet port assembly into the fill position, and a detached position, allowing rotation of the inlet port assembly into the fill position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Li-Jen P. Ho
  • Patent number: 8602506
    Abstract: An air brake locking device for a vehicle includes a main body having a pair of internal channels capable of connecting to a vehicle air line, a valve interposed between the internal channels for controlling the flow of air, and a control unit for regulating the operation of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Frank Sittnick
  • Patent number: 8573242
    Abstract: A modular, environmentally friendly mobile fuel distribution station includes a fuel tank, a support structure having a plurality of legs for supporting an operation platform in an elevated position a predetermined distance above ground, an alternative power generation device, the alternative power generation device being one of a solar power generator and a wind power generator for providing primary power to the mobile fuel distribution station and a central platform operatively connected to at least two of the legs, the at least two of the legs bearing the weight of the central platform, wherein the fuel tank and the alternative power generation device are disposed on the operation platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jose A. Cajiga, Arturo Cajiga Villar, Vicente Cajiga Villar
  • Publication number: 20130248008
    Abstract: A ramp assembly having a support body with a ramp surface. The ramp surface has a drain plate that covers an opening that receives a drain pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: THE BATHROOM GEM, L.L.C.
    Inventor: James W. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8484908
    Abstract: A mobile multi-functional shelter unit, for use as a general working area or for storing and maintaining heavy machinery. The mobile multi-functional shelter unit includes a central structure that has a deployed state and a non-deployed state as well as means for translating from the deployed state to the non-deployed state. The central structure has a base section, a central floor mounted on top of the base section, track means for raising a vehicle from a ground surface onto and off of the central floor. The central structure supports a raisable roof assembly and a lateral pullout assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: One 4 Haul Trans4mer Ltd.
    Inventor: Alcide Hache
  • Publication number: 20130175201
    Abstract: A modular, environmentally friendly mobile fuel distribution station includes a fuel tank, a support structure having a plurality of legs for supporting an operation platform in an elevated position a predetermined distance above ground, an alternative power generation device, the alternative power generation device being one of a solar power generator and a wind power generator for providing primary power to the mobile fuel distribution station and a central platform operatively connected to at least two of the legs, the at least two of the legs bearing the weight of the central platform, wherein the fuel tank and the alternative power generation device are disposed on the operation platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: JOSE A. CAJIGA, ARTURO CAJIGA VILLAR, VICENTE CAJIGA VILLAR
  • Publication number: 20130082515
    Abstract: An air brake locking device for a vehicle includes a main body having a pair of internal channels capable of connecting to a vehicle air line, a valve interposed between the internal channels for controlling the flow of air, and a control unit for regulating the operation of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Frank Sittnick
  • Patent number: 8402990
    Abstract: A fueling station comprising an above-ground tank, above-ground piping, and above-ground fuel pump modules adapted for easy construction, installation, and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy Perrien
  • Publication number: 20120312390
    Abstract: A mobile cleaning system (10) that enables touch-free, daily cleaning and disinfecting to areas or locations within an establishment is provided. The system includes generally a push cart (12) having front (18) and rear (20) sections spaced between vertically upstanding side sections (22A-B). One or more sections of the cart (12) include a modulated space configurable with one or more cleaning and/or disinfecting modules for performing and supporting a cleaning and/or disinfecting operation. A tool drip tray (30) extends outward from at least one of the sections beneath a tool storage location (32A-B) for preventing liquid or debris from dropping onto a surface beneath the cart (12) while stationary or in transit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Eric B. Olson, Brian P. Carlson, Troy A. Anderson, Jon D. Hansen, Ryan A. Chernik, Adrian E. Hartz, Seth Y. Raley
  • Patent number: 8230987
    Abstract: A fluid diverter comprising: a fluid diverting structure having a top, fluid striking surface having side and rear walls and a forward mouth, the side and rear walls preventing fluid from spilling over edges of the surface as such fluid exits through the mouth; and a magnet assembly mounted to a bottom surface of the fluid diverting structure. The magnet assembly, comprises: a magnet, and a pivot structure affixed to the magnet and pivotally mounted to the bottom surface of the fluid diverting structure for pivoting the magnet assembly relative to the fluid diverting structure about an axis to pitch the fluid diverting structure to a desired pitch angle and then once at such desired pitch angle, locking the fluid diverting structure at such desired pitch angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Orville Vezzosi, Terrence Joseph Ceccarelli, Jamie Brent Harris, Warren Brian Stobbe
  • Patent number: 8176931
    Abstract: A modular, environmentally friendly mobile fuel distribution station includes a fuel tank, a support structure having a plurality of legs for supporting an operation platform in an elevated position a predetermined distance above ground, an alternative power generation device, the alternative power generation device being one of a solar power generator and a wind power generator for providing primary power to the mobile fuel distribution station and a central platform operatively connected to at least two of the legs, the at least two of the legs bearing the weight of the central platform, wherein the fuel tank and the alternative power generation device are disposed on the operation platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Jose A. Cajiga, Arturo Cajiga Villar, Vicente Cajiga Villar
  • Publication number: 20120012196
    Abstract: A water transport system comprising a first container, a second container, a mechanical connector fixing the first and second containers to each other and/or a towing vehicle, and a control device. The water transport system may be used in a method of water management for recreational vehicles (RV), trailers, or motor homes. The water transport system may be sized and configured to fit in a bed of the towing vehicle used for towing the RV, trailer, or motor home. The second container may be coupled to a macerator pump of the RV, trailer, or motor home to receive wastewater therefrom and the control device may be configured to automatically shut off the macerator pump when the second container is full.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Eugene F. Gallo, Amy-Noelle Gallo
  • Publication number: 20110277845
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transfer of a fluid product and its use, comprising at least one tubular arrangement for conveying the product between two locations and having two segments (2a, 2b) articulated to each other by a first of their ends, the opposite end of a first of the two segments being rotatably suspended from a support arm (1) adapted to be installed at one of the two locations and the opposite end of the second segment being able to be connected to a coupling means adapted to be installed at the second location, first means (13, 15) for turning the first segment (2a) relative to the arm, for the purpose of lowering its first end from a storage position on the same side as the support arm and second means (33,11) for pulling up the end of the second segment (2b) which end is adapted to be linked to the coupling means for the purpose of connecting that end to the coupling means (6) from underneath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: FMC Technologies SA
    Inventors: Renaud Le Devehat, Eric Morilhat
  • Publication number: 20110259440
    Abstract: A inject gas control device that performs, for example, control reflecting variation in vessel velocity over time without adversely affecting the main engine is realized. That is, it is prevented that gas is drawn too much and thereby a gas supply or charged air rate becomes insufficient, efficiency of the main engine is decreased and exhaust gas is deteriorated, and analogous events occur because the gas supply or charged air rate is too much instead. There are provided a main engine 4010 acquiring propelling power for a vessel 1, and a turbocharger 4011 that is driven by exhaust gas from the main engine 4010 and blows pressurized gas to the main engine 4010. A part of the pressurized gas and/or exhaust gas is drawn from between the turbocharger 4011 and the main engine 4010 (5023, 5024 and 5025).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Hideki Kawashima, Tetsugo Fukuda, Yoshiaki Kodama, Munehiko Hinatsu, Toshifumi Hori, Masahiko Makino, Kazuyoshi Harumi, Masashi Ohnawa, Haruya Takeshi, Tadanori Takimoto
  • Publication number: 20110214418
    Abstract: A component carrier (20) of a dosing system for injecting a urea solution to the exhaust-gas flow (9) of an internal combustion engine for the purpose of selective catalytic reduction, wherein the dosing system can be connected to a urea solution tank (1) from which urea solution can be extracted, and wherein the dosing system can be connected to a compressed air supply (6), wherein the dosing system has a pump (3) for feeding the urea solution and wherein the dosing system has at least one nozzle (5) by means of which the urea solution can be injected into the exhaust-gas flow (9) by means of compressed air, wherein components (2, 3, 7, 13, 14, 51, 52) of the dosing system can be mounted on the component carrier (20) so as to be in thermal contact with the component carrier (20), and wherein the component carrier (20) has at least one contact region (21, 22) for producing thermal contact with respect to the coolant circuit of the internal combustion engine, such that the component carrier (20) forms a heat s
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: ALBONAIR GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Overhoff, Armin Kassel
  • Publication number: 20110094602
    Abstract: A safety breakaway connector has a male fitting and a female fitting inserted into one another. The female fitting includes a swivel that rotates about an angle to a breakaway portion of the invention. The swivel has a female portion connected to the breakaway portion and a male portion that pivotally connects to a nozzle. The male portion has an axis spaced apart from the axis of the breakaway portion. The male portion rotates or pivots about the female portion subject to a biased cam. The biased cam has a ball bearing that travels within a race formed in the male swivel. The biased cam provides an offset to the connector so that a fuel line in communication therewith avoids an orientation perpendicular to the direction of travel of a vehicle. The breakaway portion then detaches the fuel line cleanly from the swivel that remains with the fuel nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Robin J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20110056571
    Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing a pressure of compressed natural gas and for delivering natural gas are disclosed. A regulator comprising a vortex tube may be used to reduce the pressure of compressed natural gas while a temperature thereof is also reduced. The temperature reduction associated with a pressure drop in the compressed natural gas is achieved by throttling the gas at constant enthalpy from 3,000 psig to 150 psig through the regulator. At least one heat exchanger may be utilized to increase the temperature of the compressed natural gas to a temperature suitable for injection delivery. A pressure-reducing regulator may be used to further reduce a pressure of the gas to about 45 psig for delivery to an end-user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd Allan Bayliff, Troy David Sorensen, Michael Lowell Gill, Richard Joseph Kiser, II, Kelly D. Pace, Lee R. Mettmann
  • Publication number: 20100300545
    Abstract: This installation comprises a transport conduit which is at least partially submerged in a body of water, a device for conveying fluid between the vessel and the conduit, and a floating platform for securing the vessel. The platform comprises a carrier structure which is partially submerged in the body of water. The carrier structure comprises an open-work trellis which delimits internal spaces which are for circulation of water and which open in the body of water. The floating platform further comprises flexible lines for anchoring the carrier structure to the bottom of the body of water. The ratio of the volume of the internal spaces to the total of the volume of the open-work trellis and the volume of the internal spaces is greater than 0.9.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Jean-Pascal Biaggi, Virginie Lehning
  • Patent number: 7721751
    Abstract: A fueling station comprising an above-ground tank, above-ground piping, and above-ground fuel pump modules adapted for easy construction, installation, and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy Perrien
  • Publication number: 20100032025
    Abstract: A fluid diverter comprising: a fluid diverting structure having a top, fluid striking surface having side and rear walls and a forward mouth, the side and rear walls preventing fluid from spilling over edges of the surface as such fluid exits through the mouth; and a magnet assembly mounted to a bottom surface of the fluid diverting structure. The magnet assembly, comprises: a magnet, and a pivot structure affixed to the magnet and pivotally mounted to the bottom surface of the fluid diverting structure for pivoting the magnet assembly relative to the fluid diverting structure about an axis to pitch the fluid diverting structure to a desired pitch angle and then once at such desired pitch angle, locking the fluid diverting structure at such desired pitch angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: William Orville Vezzosi, Terrence Joseph Ceccarelli, Jamie Brent Harris, Warren Brian Stobbe
  • Publication number: 20080011357
    Abstract: A system for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker (26) in shallow waters, for regasing, or heating the offloaded LNG to produce gaseous hydrocarbons, or gas, for pressurizing the gas, and for flowing the gas to an onshore station (56), includes a structure that is fixed to the sea floor and projects above the sea surface and aids in mooring the tanker. In one system, the structure that is fixed to the sea floor is a largely cylindrical tower (12) with a mooring yoke (20) rotatably mounted on its upper end. A floating structure (14) such as a barge that weathervanes, has a bow end pivotally connected to a distal end of the yoke, so the barge is held close to the tower but can drift around the tower with changing winds, waves and currents. The tanker is moored to the tower so the barge and tanker form a combination that weathervanes as a combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Hein Wille, Jack Pollack
  • Patent number: 7302963
    Abstract: A mobile draining station for motor vehicles is disclosed, comprising a container whose side wall and upper wall can be lifted up and in which carrier arms for receiving a vehicle are arranged in a stationary manner. Pivoting arms for removal devices are pivotably connected to the rear wall of the container and at least one door element is embodied in the rear wall and can be folded downwards in order to extend the base of the container. Collectors are positioned in the container in the region in front of the door element. The collectors can move through the door opening onto the folded-down door element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Josef Dagn
  • Patent number: RE47686
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure describe a wheeled vehicle having a structure attached thereto and configured to acquire within the interior of the structure a vehicle to be inspected. The structure is configured to receive the vehicle within its interior. In example implementations, the structure is located relative to the wheeled vehicle such that the vehicle to be inspected is loaded into and received within the structure during travel of the wheeled vehicle past the vehicle to be inspected. Having loaded the vehicle into the structure, the vehicle may be inspected. Once inspection is complete, the vehicle may be unloaded from the structure. In example implementations, the structure is located relative to the wheeled vehicle such that the inspected vehicle is unloaded from the structure during travel of the wheeled vehicle past the inspected vehicle. The wheeled vehicle may transport the structure to the site of another vehicle to be inspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Wilson, II, Stephen Lawrence Ihm