Selectively Utilized Sources Patents (Class 141/104)
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Patent number: 11833897Abstract: A system for dispensing an additive into a fuel is disclosed. The system includes: a tank for holding a fuel additive and a dispenser. The dispenser includes: a main shutoff valve; a bore through which the fuel passes; a float bowl, contained within the walls of the device surrounding the bore; an obstruction located inside the bore of the dispensing device; a seal to prevent the flow of air around the outside of the fuel nozzle pump. The additive tank is connected to the dispenser by a conduit. Gravity causes the additive to flow from the tank, through the conduit into the dispensing device. The main shutoff valve is activated as a device cap is installed and deactivated as the cap is removed. The obstruction causes the additive to be drawn into the flow of fuel within dispensing device.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Inventor: Mark Hugentobler
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Patent number: 11672260Abstract: Provided is a novel system, machines and consumables, and method for preparation of cooled edible products from their ingredients, for example, in a portioned amount constituting a defined number of servings which may be 1, 2, 3, etc. are provided. One example of such an edible product is ice cream.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2018Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: SOLO GELATO LTD.Inventor: Barak Beth Halachmi
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Patent number: 11624479Abstract: A quantity of gas is introduced into a gas reservoir via a filling station provided with a filling line. The quantity is measured. A signal is generated indicating a corrected quantity of transferred gas. The signal is obtained by adding a predetermined, positive or negative, corrective amount to the measured quantity of gas transferred.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges ClaudeInventors: Thibaut Francois, Marcus Buck
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Patent number: 11554888Abstract: A delivery head for a dispensing machine for delivering fluid products, including: a tubular casing having a vertical longitudinal axis, a plurality of nozzles carried by the tubular casing and having respective outlet openings with axes parallel to the vertical longitudinal axis, and a cleaning device for automatically cleaning the nozzles, having a plurality of scraper tubes associated with respective nozzles, movable in a direction of the vertical longitudinal axis between a raised position and a lowered position, and vice versa, and having respective lower ends that clean the nozzles during a stroke from the raised position to the lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2020Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Inventor: Luca Drocco
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Patent number: 11421158Abstract: The invention provides a method for enriching diluents with butane so as not to violate pre-defined limits for liquid hydrocarbon fuels with respect to density, volatility and low density hydrocarbon content.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Texon lpInventors: Larry D. Mattingly, Ronnie D. Andrews, John Colin Robbins
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Patent number: 11395997Abstract: Systems for producing, applying and evaluating coating compositions are disclosed. An automatic color matching system includes an automatic coating component dispenser, a container, a mixer for mixing the components of the coating composition and a solvent, an automatic pressurization station to apply pressure to the mixed coating composition, and a robotic arm to transport the container to and from the mixer. A coating composition dispensing system includes a computer to provide a target formulation for a coating composition, an automated component dispenser containing the components of the coating composition, a container positionable adjacent to the component dispenser to receive the components of the coating composition, and an automated component sensor to measure the amounts of each of the components dispensed into the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Lewis, Walter J. Robertson, Mary Kimbro, Nathan L. Goodnow
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Patent number: 11365998Abstract: The dosing device is intended for a neck for pouring defined amounts from a container or hose. It consists of a spout attachment that can be screwed or pushed onto the neck, and that optionally can be closed by a separate lid and has a dosing control chamber (14) with variable volume. As a characterizing feature, this chamber fills up from empty when pouring. Said chamber is formed by the space between a control chamber limiter and the interior of a dosing piston (10) and is filled with liquid when pouring a dose, while liquid at (D1) flows down past the dosing piston (10) to the spout (3). Finally, the downwardly displaced dosing piston (10) closes the spout (3) when the control chamber (14) is full. The dose quantities to be poured are adjustable in that the path of the dosing piston (10) can be limited on its side facing the container or hose. The control chamber limiter is variably displaceable axially with respect to the dosing device into the equipped neck and can be held fixedly in any position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: CAPARTIS AGInventor: Herbert Wohlgenannt
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Patent number: 11348398Abstract: A pharmaceutical dispenser for dispensing a quantity of pharmaceuticals into a container includes a pharmaceutical counter to count and release the quantity of pharmaceuticals. A pharmaceutical outlet delivers the quantity of pharmaceuticals to the container. A pharmaceutical gate receives the quantity of pharmaceuticals from the pharmaceutical counter. The pharmaceutical gate includes a receiver sized and shaped to define a pharmaceutical receiving space to hold the quantity of pharmaceuticals. The receiver moves between a receiving position and a dispensing position. In the receiving position, the receiver receives the quantity of pharmaceuticals in the pharmaceutical receiving space from the pharmaceutical counter. In the dispensing position, the receiver dispenses the quantity of pharmaceuticals toward the pharmaceutical outlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.Inventor: Gabriel Di Genova
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Patent number: 11324663Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for transferring an amount of a liquid drug (11) from a supply container (1) having stored the liquid drug (11) to a collapsible reservoir (2), the method including and the apparatus enabling the steps of: a) providing a fluid connection (3) between the supply container (1) and the collapsible reservoir (2); b) subjecting the liquid drug (11) stored in the supply container (1) to an environmental pressure; c) subjecting the collapsible reservoir (2) to a positive pressure relative to the environmental pressure, thereby collapsing the collapsible reservoir (2) and transferring gas comprised in the collapsible reservoir (2) from the collapsible reservoir (2) to the supply container (1); d) subjecting the collapsible reservoir (2) to a negative pressure relative to the environmental pressure, thereby expanding the collapsible reservoir (2) and transferring the amount of the liquid drug (11) from the supply container (1) to the collapsible reservoir (2).Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: ROCHE DIABETES CARE, INC.Inventor: Frank Deck
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Patent number: 11266161Abstract: A machine for making and dispensing chocolate, comprising: at least one chocolate processing container; a chocolate dispenser tap connected to the processing container for allowing chocolate dispensing; at least a first mixer associated with the container for mixing the chocolate being processed; thermal treatment means associated with said at least one processing container and designed to heat and/or cool the walls of said processing container; an operating and control unit, designed to control said thermal treatment means so as to bring, in sequence in terms of time, the chocolate being processed in said at least one container; to a first, chocolate melting temperature; to a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature; to a third temperature, which is between the second temperature and the first temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: ALI S.P.A.—CARPIGIANI GROUPInventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
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Patent number: 11233674Abstract: A method for processing process data by means of data bus subscribers of a local bus, the method including: receiving at least one instruction list at a data bus subscriber, the instruction list having a set of instructions for processing process data, storing the at least one instruction list in a memory, receiving an instruction list index, ILI, at the data bus subscriber, selecting one of the at least one stored instruction list on the basis of the received ILI if the ILI is associated with the stored instruction list, and executing the set of instructions of the selected instruction list in order to process the process data by means of the data bus subscriber. The local bus is designed as a ring bus, for example. Each output of a data bus subscriber is connected, for example, to an actuator.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: WAGO Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbHInventor: Daniel Jerolm
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Patent number: 11051901Abstract: A cart for dispensing, storing, and tracking medical instruments is provided. The cart has a housing, a first motor, a second motor, one or more trays, and a processor. The trays hold one or more medical instruments, and have a door and door opening assembly. The processor is in communication with the motors for rotating the housing and opening the doors. The processor has a storage medium for storing the cart's instrument dispensing history. The processor also has a user interface for capturing user input.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignees: Health Research, Inc., The Research Foundation for the State University of New YorkInventors: Khurshid Guru, Albert Titus, Kyle Weeks
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Patent number: 11007119Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a device for transferring precise amounts of fluid from at least one source container to at least one target container. In some embodiments, the fluid is first transferred from the source container (e.g., a vial) through a connector to an intermediate measuring container (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments air can pass through an air inlet and enter the vial to compensate for the volume of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An air check valve or a bag or a filter can prevent the fluid from escaping through the air inlet. The precisely measured amount of fluid can then be transferred from the intermediate measuring container to the target container (e.g., an IV bag). In some embodiments the connector can include a source check valve and a target check valve to direct fluid first from the source container to the intermediate measuring container and then from the intermediate measuring container to the target container.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Peter Leissling, Matthias Janssen
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Patent number: 10961106Abstract: A system for dispensing beverages into a receptacle controls both the dispense flow rate of a carbonated beverage and also uses bottom filling of the receptacle to limit entrainment and bubble formation during the dispense process. More particularly, the present application provides for using two separate flow paths for dispensing beverage with a first path employed initially for a low flow rate and a second path employed thereafter to fill the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: QualFlow Systems LimitedInventors: Justin Lawler, Ciaran O'Morain, Ultan O'Morain
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Patent number: 10893773Abstract: The beverage preparation unit comprises a mixing chamber having a beverage outlet, a liquid flow path for supplying a liquid to the mixing chamber, and an air flow path for supplying air to the liquid flow path. The mixing chamber is arranged for receiving a beverage related ingredient, such as concentrate, preferably from an exchangeable supply pack. The liquid flow path is arranged for generating a hollow jet of liquid having an outer liquid portion extending in a flow direction of the jet and an inner air portion extending in a flow direction of the jet wherein the outer liquid portion surrounds the inner air portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.Inventors: Koen Standaar, Hendrik Johan Dees, Mathias Antonius Fransiscus Rutten, Bram Klabbers
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Patent number: 10671099Abstract: A system and method for dispensing an injection material to an injection point. The injection material is stored in a tank and disposed to parallel piped vessels. An orifice is disposed in piping connected to discharge ends of the vessels, and has an opening with a designated cross sectional area. A high pressure fluid drives the injection material to the injection point; the pressure of the high pressure fluid is regulated with a pressure control valve. Valves in the inlet and discharge piping connected to the vessels are selectively opened and closed so that injection material flows to and from the vessels. Vessels vent to a recycle/recovery system to reduce vessel pressure enabling refilling with injection material. Valves in the pressurizing and depressurizing lines are selectively opened and closed to depressurize and refill the vessels to have continuous chemical injection to the injection location.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventors: Nisar Ahmad K. Ansari, Samusideen Adewale Salu, Talal Al-Zahrani, Mohamed Soliman
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Patent number: 10649336Abstract: A system for fabricating a semiconductor device includes a first supplier, a second supplier, a mixer, and an applier. The first supplier is configured to supply a developer solution having a first chemical. The second supplier is configured to supply the second chemical to the mixer. The mixer is configured to mix the developer solution with a second chemical, in which the second chemical is configured to form a plurality of bubbles in the developer solution. The applier is configured to apply the developer solution mixed with the bubbles onto a photoresist layer formed on a substrate, in which the photoresist layer has an exposed region, and the first chemical is configured to dissolve the exposed region of the photoresist layer through a chemical reaction.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun-Yih Yu, Chang-Fa Lin, Ching-Hung Cheng, Yi-Chuan Lo, Ming-Hsuan Chuang
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Patent number: 10596534Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing a cosmetic composition, including: a cartridge holder configured to hold at least one cartridge that stores a cosmetic composition, the cartridge holder being configured to move the cartridge to a predetermined location; a container receiving area configured to hold a output container beneath the predetermined location; circuitry configured to determine the cosmetic composition in the cartridge holder, control the cartridge holder to move the cartridge holder to the predetermined location based on the determination, and control the cartridge to dispense the cosmetic composition into the output container; and a mixer configured to hold the output container and subject the output container to a predetermined movement to cause contents of the output container to mix together.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: L'OREALInventors: Guive Balooch, Florent Valceschini, Rishabh Bhandari, Catherine Chiou, Sonia Lorente Gonzalez, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, David John Rinaldis, Jonathan Scott Tang, Brent Edward Timberlake, Andre Yousefi
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Patent number: 10377623Abstract: A system for managing bulk product dispensing and sale in a retail establishment includes a bulk product dispenser for dispensing bulk product into a re-usable container which includes an ID tag identifying said container. A user interface receives a product fill request for a bulk product selected from a plurality of bulk products capable of being dispensed. Then a dispenser controller verifies the compatibility of said product fill request with said container by verifying the product requested satisfies restrictions based on information associated with the ID tag, and responsive to said verifying, either controlling said dispenser to fill said container with the requested product, or displaying a warning to a user if the request is not compatible.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Neurones Vision Inc.Inventor: Martin Arcand
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Patent number: 10350623Abstract: A changing device for coating media, including supply units that each have at least one inlet connection connectable to a reservoir, and an outlet connection, between which a flow channel extends. A coupling unit has an input connection and an output connection, connectable to an application device, between which input connection and output connection a through-channel extends. The coupling unit is movable in a positioning movement direction relative to the supply units by a positioning device. The input connection of the coupling unit is complementary to the outlet connections of the supply units so that the input connection of the coupling unit is movable in a coupling movement direction relative to one of the supply units and can be coupled to or disconnected from the outlet of the supply unit. The positioning device only moves the coupling unit in a plane in which the coupling movement direction also lies.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: EISENMANN SEInventor: Jürgen Fleisch
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Patent number: 10232330Abstract: An apparatus for dye dispensing is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a controller and a tray. The tray communicates with the controller and is configured with at least one opening. At least one canister is configured with an identifier and a dye. The dye is associated with the identifier. A reader communicates with the controller. A dispenser comprises an actuator communicating with the controller and a lever arm. The lever arm is coupled to the actuator and configured with a projection. The reader, based on the identifier, identifies a selected dye in a selected canister associated with a dye formulation. When the selected canister is aligned with a dispensing area, the dispenser applies a downward force on the selected canister and dispenses the selected dye.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: CLiCS, LLCInventors: Leilani M. Macedo, Charles D. Brown, Jeffrey F. Macedo, Stuart D'Alessandro, Christopher Munz
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Patent number: 10221839Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body and a valve element disposed in the valve body. The valve body is provided with a large pump inlet-outlet opening, a small pump inlet-outlet opening, a colorant bucket inlet-outlet opening and a colorant dispensing outlet. The valve core, which is provided with a passage, is rotated to allow connection of the large pump inlet-outlet opening and the small pump inlet-outlet opening with a colorant bucket or dispensing thereof, with at least three connecting structures being involved. The control valve is compact in structure and ingenious in design, and may fully achieve the objective of dispensing of large amount colorant or a small amount colorant by rotating the valve core; moreover, the objectives of cleaning the pump and preventing colorant drying and hardening in a colorant circulating pipe and a colorant outlet may be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: ZHENGZHOU SANHUA TECHNOLOGY & INDUSTRY CO., LTDInventors: Song Huang, Weihong Niu
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Patent number: 10172996Abstract: A system of authenticating a medical solution used in a blood processing procedure, comprising a blood processing system having a user interface and access to a database of medical solutions identifiable by identifiers, wherein the blood processing system guides a user through steps of the procedure and the user interface prompts the user to execute an action as part of a step; a fluid circuit having an inlet for a medical solution, wherein the fluid circuit is coupled to the fluid processing system; wherein a step of the blood processing procedure comprises drawing a solution into the circuit, wherein the interface receives a user input of an identifier of the solution prior to the fluid processing system executing the step; wherein the fluid processing system is configured to compare the received identifier to medical solution identifiers within the database and, based on a result of the comparison, executing the step.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Inventors: Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz
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Patent number: 10174882Abstract: A gas filling apparatus for filling a plurality of gas storage vessels with a gas, the apparatus comprising a plurality of gas filling ports, each port configured to introduce gas into one of the gas storage vessels, and a controller configured to supply gas to the gas filling ports for filling the vessels and to control the supply of gas to all of the gas filling ports based on a property of any one of the vessels.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: INTELLIGENT ENERGY LIMITEDInventors: Colin Cort, Colin Bennett, Christopher Conlon, Simon Payne, Monjur Choudhury, Hiten Mistry
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Patent number: 10160631Abstract: A method and dispensing apparatus for dispensing one or more liquids from a liquid storage container operably connected to the dispensing apparatus. The one or more liquids may include cold water, cold carbonated water, hot water and/or ambient temperature water. The dispensing apparatus preferably is a self-contained dispensing apparatus, i.e., a dispensing apparatus having its own source of liquid. The dispensing apparatus further preferably includes a housing storing a first cooled liquid reservoir and a second cooled liquid reservoir. The first cooled liquid reservoir preferably stores cold water and the second cooled liquid reservoir preferably stores cold carbonated water. A thermal link preferably connects the first cooled liquid reservoir and the second cooled liquid reservoir to cause thermal energy to be transferred between the first cooled liquid reservoir and the second cooled liquid reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Cardomon International LimitedInventor: Philip A. Walton
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Patent number: 10155647Abstract: Apparatus (10) for dispensing a flavored, optionally alcoholic, beverage, is housed in a cabinet (16) and comprises a dispensing outlet (12) connectable to a beverage supply and a plurality of different liquid beverage flavorings, the dispensing outlet being configured to dispense the beverage and one or more of said flavorings into a drinking container. An actuating member (44) is operable to initiate dispensing of the beverage and one or more of said flavorings from the dispensing outlet. The apparatus includes a selector (42) configured to receive a user input selection of one or more of the beverage flavorings to be dispensed and a control unit (40). Upon user operation of the actuating member (44), the control unit (40) operates a pump (24a-f) to supply a selected one or more of the flavorings to the dispensing outlet based on the user input selection.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Hodges & Drake Design LimitedInventors: Jody Foster, Bhavesh Ranjit, Tim Whateley, Kevin Hodges
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Patent number: 10145511Abstract: A gas filling apparatus for filling a plurality of gas storage vessels with a gas, the apparatus comprising a plurality of gas filling ports, each port configured to introduce gas into one of the gas storage vessels, and a controller configured to supply gas to the gas filling ports for filling the vessels and to control the supply of gas to all of the gas filling ports based on a property of any one of the vessels.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: INTELLIGENT ENERGY LIMITEDInventors: Colin Cort, Colin Bennett, Christopher Conlon, Simon Payne, Monjur Choudhury, Hiten Mistry
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Patent number: 9980599Abstract: A coffee bean packaging cartridge for holding and supplying multiple servings of coffee beans can be connected to a coffee beverage system. The cartridge includes a container having an outer wall defining an interior volume and an opening at one end thereof. A permanent, preferably non-removable closure member is fitted to the one end of the container and substantially covers the opening. An exit passage in the closure member, defines a coffee bean outlet, for transferring coffee beans from the interior volume. The closure member further has relatively movable closing means for selectively closing the exit passage to reduce exposure of the coffee bean contents to surrounding air. The cartridge further includes connecting means for connecting the cartridge to a coffee beverage system.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.Inventors: Ivo Van Os, Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Job Leonardus Kneppers, Richard Patrick Versluijs, Christiaan Johannes Maria Moorman
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Patent number: 9957150Abstract: The liquid material ejector has a liquid material supply port through which the liquid material is supplied, a nozzle for ejecting the liquid material, a valve block having a metering bore to be filled with the ejected liquid material and a liquid material supply channel communicating with the liquid material supply port, a selector valve having a first channel for allowing communication between the metering bore and the liquid material supply channel and a second channel for allowing communication between the metering bore and the nozzle, a plunger advancing and retracting in the metering bore, a plunger driving section for driving the plunger, a valve driving section for driving the selector valve, and a transmission section for transmitting driving power from the valve driving section to the selector valve. The plunger driving section, the valve driving section, and the valve block are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: MUSASHI ENGINEERING, INC.Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
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Patent number: 9920884Abstract: A device for filling a small portable pressure vessel from a larger pressure vessel with a compressed fluid such as carbon dioxide. The device comprises an inlet adapted to receive fluid from a pressurized source, and an outlet adapted to connect to a pressure vessel. Between the inlet and the outlet there is a fill valve and a vent valve and at least one cam shaft configured to rotate and operate the valves.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: GlobalForce IP LimitedInventors: Ian Douglas Makinson, Peter David Lucas
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Patent number: 9894913Abstract: A filling unit and a method for filling a confectionery mass into a container or a mold includes a fill housing with a filling nozzle (2) and at least two dosing pistons in a cylinder which is connected to the fill housing. In the fill housing, a valve is arranged for each cylinder. A mixing block with internal ducts connects each of the outlets with a respective internal duct in the filling nozzle. The confectionery mass is conducted from a filling nozzle into at least one of the cylinders after which the confectionery mass is dosed down into the mold or container by actuating the dosing pistons. The speeds of the pistons are controlled independently of each other, providing varying patterns in longitudinal direction of the ice-cream/confectionery product. The movement of the filling unit relative to the container or mold can be varied providing additional options for variation in patterns.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Inventors: Karsten Beuchert, Poul Erik Petersen, Peter Mathiasen
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Patent number: 9834492Abstract: Distillate cracks to propylene more readily than VGO. Additionally, less branched hydrocarbons crack to propylene more readily than more branched hydrocarbons. Oligomerization to diesel range oligomers followed by catalytic cracking with less branched oligomers can provide more propylene.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Christopher P. Nicholas, Christian D. Freet, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Todd M. Kruse
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Patent number: 9801785Abstract: A liquid medication dispensing machine capable of stirring a liquid medication contained in a liquid medication bottle in the machine with a simple structure is provided. The liquid medication dispensing machine supplying a liquid medication from a liquid medication bottle (23) containing the liquid medication to a prescription bottle includes a holder (78) holding a bottom (23B) of the liquid medication bottle (23), and a rotationally driving unit (61) generating rotary force and rotating the holder (78) and the liquid medication bottle (23) held by the holder (78) around a rotation axis (L3) extending along a center line (L2) of the liquid medication bottle (23).Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: TAKAZONO TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATEDInventor: Yusuke Fukuda
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Patent number: 9758320Abstract: Method for treating outlet air in a pneumatic waste conveying system, in which the outlet air is at least partly the conveying air to be used in waste conveying. In the method in a first phase additional air is brought into the body of conveying air in the partial-vacuum generator of the pneumatic waste conveying system before the output aperture of the partial-vacuum generator, and that in the method in a second phase additional air is brought into the body of outlet air as a consequence of the suction effect brought about by the outlet air in such a way that the outlet air and the additional air mix with each other at least partly. The invention also relates to an apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: MARICAP OYInventor: Göran Sundholm
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Patent number: 9756977Abstract: The present invention concerns a beverage dispensing system for providing a multi-layered beverage is disclosed. The beverage dispensing system is adapted to prepare a plurality of beverages of different densities within a plurality of ingredients container. The beverage dispensing system separately and sequentially dispenses a lower density beverage prior to dispensing a higher density beverage. The beverages are dispensed via a delivery tube which is disposed proximally to an internal base of a drinks receptacle. Furthermore an ingredients container is disclosed. Furthermore a method for the manufacture of the multi-layered beverage is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Alexa Perrin, Flavien Dubief
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Patent number: 9666045Abstract: Techniques are described for processing sensor data associated with product dispensers at an establishment. The system is configured to monitor the location of product dispensers at an establishment and the system detects an alarm event related to the monitoring system based on the monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Alarm.com IncorporatedInventor: Stephen Scott Trundle
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Patent number: 9655985Abstract: Disinfecting devices and related methods are provided that apply germicidal ultraviolet light to disinfect dispensing components of food and beverage dispensers. A disinfecting holster for a bar gun includes a support surface configured to interface with a bar gun to support the bar gun when stowed in the holster, a housing coupled with the support surface and surrounding a dispensing nozzle of the bar gun when the bar gun is stowed in the holster, and an ultraviolet light source configured to emit germicidal ultraviolet light onto the nozzle. The housing substantially contains the ultraviolet light within the housing during the application of the ultraviolet light to the dispensing nozzle. The ultraviolet light can be periodically applied to maintain the nozzle in a disinfected state.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: AUTOMATIC BAR CONTROLS, INC.Inventors: Thomas R. Hecht, Richard A. Martindale
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Patent number: 9598191Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to sequentially position each one of a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLCInventors: Kevin Deppermann, Elias J. Yannakakis, Allen N. Ondes, Brian J. Forinash
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Patent number: 9574922Abstract: A volumetric metering device includes a hopper adapted to hold a supply of granular material, the hopper having an outlet; a rotating wheel located in communication with the outlet, the rotating wheel having an outer periphery and a plurality of metering cavities distributed around the outer periphery, each metering cavity having an open bottom portion; and a plurality of metering valves located around the outer periphery of the rotating wheel with each metering valve located in registry with one of the metering cavities. Each metering valve is movable between a loading position wherein the metering valve blocks the open bottom portion of the metering cavity, and an unloading position wherein the granular material dispenses from the metering cavity through the metering valve. Other features and related methods are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau GmbHInventor: Robert Amiss
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Patent number: 9569748Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. One embodiment of the invention can provide a product dispenser. The product dispenser can include a controller configured to communicate with a data processing resource, determine that a recipe database update for a recipe of at least one beverage is available at the data processing resource, receive the recipe database update from the data processing resource, and update the recipe of the at least one beverage in a recipe database associated with the product dispenser, wherein an updated recipe comprises an ingredient identifier and an ingredient ratio for an ingredient associated with the ingredient identifier.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Dan Peters, Jr., Son V. Tran, David R. Newman, Leonard F. Antao, David O. Slagley, H. Brock Kolls
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Patent number: 9555431Abstract: A discharge system includes: a head unit including discharge heads that discharge a liquid material from nozzle openings that are communication with cavities onto a target by changing the internal pressure of the cavities using piezo elements; a viscosity estimating unit that estimates the viscosity of the liquid material by sucking the liquid material from first vessels that hold the liquid material into the cavities; and a waveform control unit that controls the voltage applied to the piezo elements according to the estimated viscosity of the liquid material.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: MICROJET CORPORATIONInventors: Shuichi Yamaguchi, Hisashi Takeuchi, Tomoya Kurashina
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Patent number: 9550662Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Laurie J. Brown
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Patent number: 9440842Abstract: A cleaning product dispensing machine having compartments where users can refill their used cleaning product containers at convenient locations. The cleaning product dispensing system includes a plurality of cleaning products stored inside the machine. The quantity levels for each product is monitored by float sensors connection to wireless communication equipment capable of notifying the administration of the machines when the amount of a given product is running low or in the case of malfunction. The cleaning dispensing machine is compatible with product cleaner containers of different dimensions and of different types of cleaners.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Henry Pino
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Patent number: 9403613Abstract: A beverage container that resembles the well-known gasoline can shape includes a spout, an integrally formed top handle, and a rear handle assembly that includes an interior handle space dimensioned to store 3-6 shot glasses in a vertically nested stack. An access door in a side wall enables use of replaceable sealed cartridge that contains the liquid being transported and served, the spout including a punch to tap the cartridge. A condiments tray is slidably disposed in a drawer space below the cartridge for separately storing mixological condiments, and includes a push button activated latch that keeps the tray closed and secure in the drawer space.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Inventor: Junis Adams
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Patent number: 9399204Abstract: A paint creation and dispensing system includes a variety of components for creating paint of a selected color and paint type and for processing payment for the paint. The system may be configured to receive a color selection in a variety of ways including through customer selection and via an electronic color reader (portable or stationary). The paint system may allow a customer to obtain an amount (e.g., a sample or a full gallon) of paint without help from a store employee or other personnel. In one or more arrangements, the paint system may be networked so that a customer may pre-order paint, upload color selections, make a payment, and or order additional supplies of paint or other products based on the color chosen for final painting.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Inventor: Kirsten E. Milhorn
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Patent number: 9380907Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage dispenser (1) comprising a base (2) and a holding system that comprises a holding part (3) positionable beneath a beverage outlet (4) in order to accept a first, relatively small receptacle, and being configured and dimensioned to be moveable between a deployed holding position suitable for accepting the small receptacle and a second position in which the holding part is moved at least partly out of the way of the beverage outlet to create an unoccupied space in which a second, larger receptacle can be positioned, in place of the first receptacle, beneath the beverage outlet, wherein the holding system comprises a sensor (8) configured for detecting the position of the holding part between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Roberto Angelo Calderone, Cedric Rey, Guillaume Langloy
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Patent number: 9367981Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filling a prescription order with plurality of products each containing a pharmaceutical. The apparatus and method verifying a barcode on each of the products and printing and applying a patient label with a verified barcode to each of the products. After the patient label is applied, the barcodes are independently verified before the products are released.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Omnicare, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Szesko, Bradley Carson, Kevin R. Fearon, Robert A. Smith, Thomas P. Bonkenburg, Jonathan M. Herring
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Patent number: 9324053Abstract: A method of RFID inventory control for vending containers is provided, including providing a modular vending unit including a rotatable RFID-tagged container storage and dispensing unit, capable of incrementally rotating and locking in predetermined positions, comprising multiple discrete storage volumes each configured to contain a single RFID-tagged container, an access device for accessing the interior of the rotatable RFID-tagged container storage and dispensing unit, capable of switching between a locked and an unlocked state, and configured to cooperate with the rotatable storage and dispensing unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S. LLCInventors: Joshua Lavra, Giuseppe Liberati
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Patent number: 9311736Abstract: Body art, such as tattoos, are integrated or extended onto clothing. Clothing patterns may be integrated or extended onto body art, such as temporary tattoos. In one embodiment, a computer analyzes an image of a body with a tattoo and generates an image suitable for application to clothing. When applied to clothing, the image displays the portion of the tattoo that is covered by the clothing, or may extend the appearance of the tattoo from the skin to the adjacent clothing.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Inventor: Gary Shuster
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Patent number: 9254955Abstract: A container for powder, a method for marking of the containers for the powder and an apparatus for use of a powder. At least one radio-frequency identification chip provided in the container, wherein the radio-frequency identification chip stores at least one set of parameters for material characterization of the powder in the container. A unique key is assigned to every type of powder by means of which the data in the radio-frequency identification chip located in the container are readable, writeable and updateable via an antenna arranged outside the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2013Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbHInventors: Stefan Nettesheim, Arif Demirci