Selectively Utilized Sources Patents (Class 141/104)
  • Patent number: 6047746
    Abstract: A sand art machine uses a plurality of storage bins for colored granular material, each bin having a discharge orifice and an metering valve connected to the orifice for each bin. The metering valve is connected at a dispensing station above a screen on which a receptacle is positioned such that stray sand passes through the screen into a reclaim hopper from which it can be returned to the supply bin. By using a plurality of variously colored sands a decorative art form in a transparent receptacle is easily fashioned and saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Scott Green
  • Patent number: 6041965
    Abstract: A dispensing system and method for two different fuels having different octane ratings respectively stored in two storage tanks, according to which a flow line extends from each tank to a chamber for receiving each fuel from its corresponding tank. A conduit extends from the chamber to a system for passing fuel from the chamber to the system for dispensing; and a valve is provided in the chamber for selectively blocking flow of the non-selected fuel into the chamber while permitting flow of the selected fuel into the chamber for passage, via the conduit, to the system. The valve eliminates any flow of the non-elected fuel into the chamber caused by the flow of the selected fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Smith
  • Patent number: 6032703
    Abstract: A system for fueling an automotive vehicle includes a transmitter mounted on the vehicle for identifying the type of fuel required by the vehicle and a fuel control and communication subsystem providing fuel which is blended to achieve the characteristics called for by the vehicle mounted transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Eugene Baker, Bradford Bates
  • Patent number: 6019146
    Abstract: A multi-product fuel dispensing system is provided for dispensing a plurality of fuels stored in a plurality of reservoir tanks. A fuel delivery conduit delivers a specific grade of fuel from one or more of the reservoir tanks. The conduit includes at least two flow channels, one for conveying a first grade of fuel and another for conveying a second grade of fuel. A nozzle connected to the conduit includes a blend valve for each flow channel. The nozzle can deliver the first grade of fuel, the second grade of fuel or a third grade of fuel comprising a blend of the first and second grades of fuel. An ultrasonic flow meter is mounted in the nozzle to measure the flow of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6000445
    Abstract: An apparatus for the loading of flour at a mill having at least one filling nozzle, which communicates by way of at least one substantially stationary storage container, a silo or a hopper, and is so constructed that it can be coupled to several input openings of a vehicle to be loaded. In order to connect the filling nozzles to the various input openings of the vehicle to be loaded in succession (or simultaneously), the weighing assembly, which measures the weight of the vehicle together with its load, is constructed so that it incorporates a transport means, in such a way that by moving the vehicle its input openings can be connected in sequence to the filling nozzle for rapid loading of flour in a simple manner. The flour, in particular in a fluidized state, can be conducted though vertical chutes, increasing the control over the amounts loaded into the vehicle and decreasing the possibility of contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Matthias Schuh
  • Patent number: 5992478
    Abstract: Gas cylinders are filled with mixtures of gases comprising a minor component, which is to be present in the mixture at a concentration of 10% or less of the total volume of the cylinder, and a major component, which is to be present at a concentration greater than about 10% of the total volume, by charging the lighter component into a chamber of given volume to a pressure and at a temperature such that the volume provides the desired fraction of minor component in the gas mixture, and then flushing the minor component into the cylinder using major component gas as the flushing agent. The pressure at which the minor component volume is to be measured is preferably at or near the final pressure of the filled gas cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Micke, Martin Bulow
  • Patent number: 5979705
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing installation that includes first and second fuel tanks containing first and second fuels of different octane levels. The tanks are provided with first and second octane level sensors mounted in the first and second fuel tanks respectively for measuring fuel octane levels and generating output signals indicative of the octane levels of the first and second fuels. Conduits from the first and second tanks transport the fuel to one or more fuel dispensers. The fuel dispensers include a blending system for blending the first and second fuels to form at least one blended fuel having an intermediate octane. A site controller in electronic communication with the blending system receives the output signals and controls the blending system to permit the dispensing of one or more blended fuels based on the measured octane levels of the first and second fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Kaehler, John S. McSpadden, Steven N. Terranova
  • Patent number: 5975353
    Abstract: A fluid system and method according to which a first fluid, a second fluid, or a blend of the fuels is passed to a first meter for measuring the flow thereof while the second fluid is passed through a second meter before it passes to the first meter. The flow of the first fluid to the first meter and the flow of the second fluid to the second meter and then to the first meter are controlled by valves and, as a result, a predetermined ratio of the blended fluids can be established and maintained. The second meter can be calibrated based on the first meter and therefore does not have to inherently provide relatively accurate volumetric measurements. Thus, the second meter can be less costly than the first meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Malcolm Finlayson
  • Patent number: 5967202
    Abstract: An automatic dispensing method and apparatus for transporting separate concentrated chemicals to the site of use and then dispensing the concentrated chemicals into a storage container to create a final or intermediate composition. The automatic dispensing apparatus includes a computer program that calculates the appropriate formulation and then interfaces with a controller to cause the appropriate chemical concentrates and the appropriate volumes of those concentrates to be dispensed. A method of generating a desired formulation is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard V. Mullen, Scott P. Bennett, Steve E. Pasek, Cathy M. Paquette, David R. Strehlow
  • Patent number: 5950874
    Abstract: A dye batching machine which allows the dyes to be dispensed simultaneously within a limited diameter so that containers with a small opening can be employed with a large number of supply canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Italtinto S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Sindoni
  • Patent number: 5944074
    Abstract: An interchangeable additive injection apparatus provides a plurality of flow paths from one or more upstream additive tanks to one or more downstream fuel containers. A plurality of additive lines converge into an additive conduit at a manifold disposed within the apparatus. A plurality of valves associated with the additive lines are selectively opened and closed to isolate one of the flow paths. A metering device is disposed along the additive conduit for measuring the flow of additive therethrough. A reversible, multiple port housing surrounds at least the valves and manifold. In a forward orientation, a plurality of upstream ports are coupled to upstream additive tanks, and a downstream port is coupled to a fuel tank. By reversing the housing, the apparatus is placed in a reverse orientation wherein the upstream port is connected to an upstream additive tank and a plurality of downstream ports are connected to downstream fuel tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Chemical Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky E. Leahy, John J. Fitzsimmons
  • Patent number: 5938080
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus for automated dispensing high-viscosity fluids for mixing applications, such as dispensing of pigment concentrates for mixing screen printing inks and paints includes a rotatable carousel containing a plurality of different pigment concentrate supplies. The carousel is selectively rotated into a dispensing position in alignment with a dispensing pump and the pump is actuated to dispense through a dispensing valve assembly associated with each pigment concentrate supply. The dispensing valve assembly includes a pair of dispensing valves having different valve orifices so that the pigment concentrates may be dispensed in coarse and fine iterations into a container for mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The Geon Company
    Inventors: James D. Haaser, David L. Kunkle
  • Patent number: 5934344
    Abstract: An ink dispensing apparatus is comprised of a support frame capable of supporting a plurality of ink containers. The apparatus is provided with an agitating mechanism to agitate the containers from time-to-time to maintain the ink and coloring agent therein in admixture and substantially homogeneous, particularly before dispensing ink. Pressure is applied to the ink container to assist in the discharge of ink from a flexible dispensing spout which is connected to the mouth opening of each container. A scale is displaceable under each container and on which a vessel is supported for receiving a desired weight quantity of ink from selected ones of the containers which contain inks of different colors. The ink is dispensed by operating a hand-operable dispensing valve mechanism which closes and opens the flexible tube in a regulated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Pemla Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Wainberg, Arnold Lipes
  • Patent number: 5927349
    Abstract: An mixing assembly which transfers a number of nutritional fluids from individual source containers into a collection container while noninvasively sensing the type of fluid being transferred is provided. The mixing assembly utilizes a transfer set to establish fluid communication between the source containers and the collection container. A sensing assembly is configured to noninvasively sense a number of the types of fluid flowing through the transfer set to help to prevent improper mixing. For other fluids for which the sensing assembly alone may not be able to distinguish with the desired accuracy, the mixing device utilizes a method to approximate the flow rate of that fluid with the flow rate also providing an indication of that type of fluid. By combining the output of the sensing assembly with the flow rate determination, additional fluids can be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Martucci, James R. Hitchcock, Aleandro Di Gianfilippo, Thomas R. Lillegard
  • Patent number: 5911342
    Abstract: A dye batching machine has a dispensing head and several tanks arranged radially around the dispensing head. The tanks are connected to the dispensing head by means of Victaulic couplings. Each tank is fitted with dye measuring systems and dye mixing systems. A motor system is located above the dispensing head for controlling the dye measuring and mixing systems in the tanks and one or more vertical supports for the motor system are arranged radially around the dispensing head. The lower part of the vertical supports has two or more flat walls that are inserted into free spaces adjacent the Victaulic couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Italtinto S.r.l.,
    Inventor: Giuseppe Sindoni
  • Patent number: 5868177
    Abstract: An interchangeable additive injection apparatus provides a plurality of flow paths from one or more upstream additive tanks to one or more downstream fuel containers. A plurality of additive lines converge into an additive conduit at a manifold disposed within the apparatus. A plurality of valves associated with the additive lines are selectively opened and closed to isolate one of the flow paths. A metering device is disposed along the additive conduit for measuring the flow of additive therethrough. A reversible, multiple port housing surrounds at least the valves and manifold. In a forward orientation, a plurality of upstream ports are coupled to upstream additive tanks, and a downstream port is coupled to a fuel tank. By reversing the housing, the apparatus is placed in a reverse orientation wherein the upstream port is connected to an upstream additive tank and a plurality of downstream ports are connected to downstream fuel tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Chemical Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky E. Leahy, John J. Fitzsimmons
  • Patent number: 5860457
    Abstract: A gasoline vapor recovery system and method in which a flow metering unit is provided for measuring the flow of a mixture of air and gasoline vapor from a vehicle tank and for determining the density of the gasoline vapor in the mixture. A value is provided for varying the flow of the mixture from the tank, and a control unit is operatively connected to the flow metering unit and to the valve for adjusting the position of the valve, and therefore the flow of the mixture from the tank, in response to the density of the gasoline vapor in the mixture and the gasoline flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Dresser Industries
    Inventor: Bo-Goran Andersson
  • Patent number: 5823406
    Abstract: A mobile filling unit mounted on a wheeled base and having one or more pumping systems and liquid dispensing heads. Each of the pumping systems has a metering turret containing a number of adjustable rods, the rods being adjustable to limit the stroke of a reciprocable drive motor, the drive motor being directly connected to a reciprocable pump, so that the volume delivered by the pump is controllable to any of a number of predetermined values equal to the respective settings of the adjustable rods in the metering turret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Neupak, Inc.
    Inventor: Terence P. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5810061
    Abstract: A drug dispenser which can dispense drugs with high efficiency. The dispenser has a plurality of drug feeders each having a drug discharging chute and capable of discharging a predetermined amount of drugs into the chute. The drug feeders are arranged in a vertical row. An elevator unit is provided to feed trays downward along the vertically arranged drug discharging chutes. Each tray is stopped at a selected tray to collect drugs stored therein. After collecting drugs, the tray is moved further down until it is placed on a conveyor. The conveyor sends the tray through an inspection station to a dispensing point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shoji Yuyama
  • Patent number: 5765606
    Abstract: A medication filling apparatus improves workability in filling a predetermined container with medications and also shortens the time required for medication filling. The medication filling apparatus is equipped with tablet cases for containing medications separately by type, a dispensing and counting device for dispensing the medications from the tablet cases and counting the dispensed medications, a turntable and guide for collecting the medications dispensed from the tablet cases, and a holder for filling a vial with the medications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Takemasa, Manabu Haraguchi
  • Patent number: 5762098
    Abstract: An automatic fluid mixing device wherein a cylindrical supporting structure supports a first number of valves angularly spaced along a first circumference, and a second number of valves angularly spaced along a second circumference concentric with and inside the first; the valves are three-way types, and present a control rod extending axially from one end; and the mixing device presents a blade type selecting device movable angularly about an axis through the center of the circumferences, and which singly engages an end portion of the control rod to move the rod axially and so open the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Dromont s.r.l.
    Inventors: Michele Manzone, Luca Drocco
  • Patent number: 5727609
    Abstract: Transport apparatus for use in a drinks vending machine. The apparatus comprises a holder for receiving and holding a cup, and transport mechanism to move the cup to a dispensing region. The dispensing region comprises a plurality of dispensers, from a selected number of which, ingredients can be dispensed to the cup. Thereafter, the transport mechanism moves the cup to a delivery position to deliver the cup to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Gem Vending Limited
    Inventors: Michael Terence Knight, Steven Dennis Gallagher
  • Patent number: 5713403
    Abstract: The consumer, and in particular the beverage consumer, frequently demands different packaging units which consist of different beverages or different assortments of beverages. That means that packaging units must be assembled which contain, for example, two bottles of a carbonated fruit-flavor beverage and four bottles of a beverage containing cola. The labelling and other packaging of the container must correspond to the product In the individual container. The packaging units are generally assembled either manually or semi-automatically. The invention relates to a method which simplifies the preparation of packaging units which contain different filling products. The invention is characterized by the fact that to fill the containers according to a Specified or selected filling formation with different filling products, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ludwig Clusserath, Jean Marti, Klaus-Werner Jung
  • Patent number: 5706873
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a service station to recover automotive fluids. The apparatus comprises a reservoir attachable to a floor surface and a catch pan for receiving automotive fluids flowing from under a vehicle being serviced. The apparatus also comprises a hollow extensible arm means between the catch pan and the reservoir forming a conduit therebetween, and an articulated joint between the extensible arm means and the reservoir. This articulated joint is flexible in a vertical plane as well as in a horizontal plane. Thus the catch pan and the extensible arm means are movable between a first horizontal fluid recovery position and a second vertical compactly stowed position above the reservoir. The reservoir of the apparatus also has a first drain valve and a second drain valve located above the first drain valve. When the apparatus is used to recover several types of automotive fluids, those aqueous fluids such as radiator coolant may be firstly emptied from the reservoir through the first drain valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventors: Come Benoit, Benoit Rioux
  • Patent number: 5706871
    Abstract: A fluid control apparatus and method in which a valve unit having a plurality of inlets is respectively connected to multiple fluid sources and an outlet. A unit containing a flowmeter is also provided which cooperates with the valve unit in a manner so that, upon rotation of one of the units relative to the other, the flow of fluid is controlled from the selected fluid source to the valve unit outlet. The flowmeter is adapted to measure variations in the flow rate of the fluid, and the flow of the fluid is controlled in response to one or more related parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo-Goran Andersson, Bengt Ingamar Larsson
  • Patent number: 5697407
    Abstract: A high speed bulk compounder system for filling upper and lower chambers of dual chamber TPN bags with fluid from source containers includes a controller for controlling the operation of peristaltic pump stations, each station being associated with one of the source containers. The controller activates the peristaltic pumps sequentially to draw fluids from certain ones of the source container so that the fluids flow through a common manifold and a lower chamber fill tubing into the lower chamber of the dual chamber bag. Once the lower chamber has been filled, another pump station is activated so that fluid is drawn from another of the source containers and flows through an upper chamber connector, through an upper chamber fill tubing and into the upper chamber of the dual chamber bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: The Metrix Company
    Inventor: Gregory J. Lasonde
  • Patent number: 5690252
    Abstract: A dispensing system utilizes a nozzle assembly including a nozzle block defining a series of recesses for receiving dispense nozzles. A resilient clamp is inserted between the nozzles and compressed so as to expand, clamping the nozzles in position. A fill control is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Beata Maria Oleksiewicz, Michael J. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 5682930
    Abstract: A dispenser for filling with liquid a container of a predetermined profile comprising a support for the container to be filled, a plurality of sources of different liquids, valves for regulating the flow of liquid from the sources into the container, a series of keys on the support, each key being movable between at least two positions, switches actuated by the respective keys, and a control connected between the switches and the valves. On mounting of a particular container on the support, the keys are moved a predetermined way by the container's predetermined profile and the control in response to the keys being moved fills the correct liquid into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Diversey Corporation
    Inventor: Garry W. Crossdale
  • Patent number: 5671785
    Abstract: A gasoline vapor recovery system and method in which a mixture of air and gasoline vapor is passed from a vehicle tank to a storage tank during the dispensing of gasoline from the storage tank to the vehicle tank. A portion of the mixture of air and gasoline vapor is vented from the storage tank, the flow and/or the vapor concentration of the vented mixture from the storage tank are determined, and the mixture flow from the vehicle tank is varied accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bo Goran Andersson
  • Patent number: 5651398
    Abstract: A method for dispensing and handling chemical solutions by using a dispensing station. The dispensing station includes a cabinet having a fill compartment and at least one concentrate bottle compartment. The cabinet's top wall has a funnel for supporting a dilution gun. The gun is in fluid communication with a water source and has a removable insert containing an aspirator. The insert's outlet tube fits within the cabinet's funnel. A pickup tube extends from the concentrated chemical solution to the gun. A use container such as a spray bottle is sized and configured to fit within the fill compartment. In the preferred embodiment, the concentrate container has a plurality of grooves which are sized and configured to correspond with a plurality of ribs within the concentrate compartments. Additionally, the concentrate compartment's lower portion forms a track to accommodate a bottom portion of the concentrate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Decker, James L. Copeland
  • Patent number: 5642761
    Abstract: A liquid proportioning apparatus for proportioning two or more liquids into a bottle. The liquids are accurately proportioned in the bottle by sensing the respective pressure increases in the bottle as each liquid is introduced into the bottle. The bottle is initially pressurized to a first pressure setting to establish a base-line so that subsequent pressure change caused by an incoming liquid will be proportional to the volume of that liquid to the total volume of the bottle. This invention is primarily directed to the selective production of a beverage from a syrup and water or carbonated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Fountain Fresh, Inc.
    Inventor: Ben F. Holbrook
  • Patent number: 5636669
    Abstract: A selective coloring system comprising a hollow transparent panel. A plurality of separate different colored materials are provided. A facility is for forcing one of the separate different colored materials into and ut of the hollow transparent panel, so as to change the appearance of the hollow transparent panel for aesthetic reasons when the need arises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Kevin A. Price
  • Patent number: 5632314
    Abstract: A dispenser for flowable materials includes a plurality of dispense valves arranged in two concentric circles. An actuator arm mounted for rotation about the center of the circles glides over the tops of the valves. A pair of channel-like passageways are formed in the arm, one for the valves arranged in the outer circle, the other for the valves arranged in the inner circle. The valves of the inner and outer circles are radially offset from one another, and accordingly a valve from only one of the two circles is engaged at any given time. The arm is mounted for lifting and lowering movements to accomplish a dispense operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Fluid Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Koppe, Michael Krapalis
  • Patent number: 5626172
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved transfer set for use in an automated compounding device. The transfer set comprises a plurality of fluid conduits, each fluid conduit including a first section and a second section, the first and second sections being coupled together in fluid communication by a coupler. A housing is provided for receiving at least a portion of the fluid conduits and the coupler. The housing defines separate channels for receiving a portion of the second section of each fluid conduit. The channels extend for a sufficient distance so that at least substantially an entire length of the second section that is located in the housing is located in a channel thereby securing the fluid conduits in place in the housing. An improved method for making a transfer set is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Clintec Nutrition Company
    Inventors: William L. Schumacher, Edward G. Oilschlager, Thomas R. Lillegard, Arnold C. Bilstad, Robert E. Lewis, Sidney T. Smith
  • Patent number: 5597019
    Abstract: An apparatus for diluting liquid concentrate materials to liquid use solutions. Liquid concentrates comprise common household cleaning and sanitizing materials such as window cleaners, hard surface cleaners, floor cleaners, sink cleaners, tile cleaners, drain cleaners and openers, glass cleaners, food preparation units, sanitizers, disinfectants, floor finishes and other similar institutional or industrial aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic cleaning solutions. The aspirator system is adapted to receive a container of liquid concentrate in a reservoir. The reservoir contains device to open the liquid concentrate. Additionally the reservoir contains device to support the liquid concentrate during addition of concentrate to the reservoir. When empty, the liquid concentrate bottle can be placed in a receiver for the empty container. The receiver has filling device for the container that can deliver dilute use solution to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, Daniel K. Boche, John E. McCall, Jr., Eric R. Balz, Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Daniel E. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 5584326
    Abstract: Apparatus for the storage, delivery and mixing of fluid substances. The aratus consists of a compact, pre-assembled, movable operative unit, enabling the storage of a large number of substances and the management of a large number of delivery points in an extremely small area. The apparatus comprises a conveyor and at least one set of storage tanks on a support frame along one or both sides of the conveyor; pumping device and a multi-valve delivery head are provided for supplying metered quantities of the substances to be mixed, in a container positioned on a conveyor section above an electronic scale. The electronic scales and corresponding section of the conveyor are laterally translatable on a vertically movable shelf to selectively position a mixing container under a multi-valve unit according to an operative program governed by a programmable control unit; a mixer is provided at the end of the conveyor which is opposite the multi-valve unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: I.A.S. Industrial Automation Systems S.A.S.di Dino Galli & C.
    Inventor: Dino Galli
  • Patent number: 5584327
    Abstract: A solution storage and dispensing apparatus and method of operation therefor are disclosed. The solution storage and dispensing apparatus includes a selector valve and a control valve which selectively output a liquid such as water to one of a plurality of storage containers. Each container has an aspirator mounted therein which receives the water and a chemical concentrate to form a solution therein. A container is filled by selecting the container using the selector valve and actuating the control valve to dispense water to the selected container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, Daniel K. Boche
  • Patent number: 5544684
    Abstract: A method for the automated preparation of a standard solution containing at least two solutes wherein the user of the method adds the solutes to a container according to the respective target weights of the solutes. The ratio between the actual weight of the first solute added and the target weight of the first solute is used to update the target weight of the second solute so that the concentration of the second solute in the standard is closer to its desired concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Rex T. Robinette, III
  • Patent number: 5540263
    Abstract: The production of hot soup from soup concentrate involves the use of an apparatus that includes a housing having a refrigerated first section and a second section. A soup concentrate container is positioned within the refrigerated section for receiving soup concentrate and a discharge device is operatively associated with the soup concentrate container for discharging a predetermined amount of soup concentrate from the soup concentrate container. A nozzle which is adapted to be connected to a source of hot water is positioned in the second section of the housing for producing a stream of water. A movable tray is also positioned in the second section for receiving a cup or the like in which is to be mixed hot water and soup concentrate. A tray driving device is connected to the tray for moving the tray between various positions at which a cup is placed on the tray, soup concentrate is discharged into the cup and hot water is dispensed into the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignees: H. J. Heinz Co., Welbilt Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Hustvedt, James R. Cowles, James T. Peel, Robert J. Alvarez
  • Patent number: 5493840
    Abstract: A more easily useable means for providing dispersed flowable colorant in a coating composition contained in a liddable container which means may have none of several alternative heights. The means comprises dispenser 18 at which a dose of flowable colorant 1 can be introduced into a container 20 which contains a base paint 2. A shaker 24 is provided and is laterally spaced from the dispenser 18. A surface 14 extends from the dispenser 18 to the shaker 24 along which the container can be moved making transfer to the mixing station particularly easy. The means can also include labelling and lidding stations 22, 23 between the dispenser and shaker 18, 24. FIG. 1 .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventor: Michael R. Cane
  • Patent number: 5477898
    Abstract: A drum is filled with two liquids of different densities which are immiscible when combined, such as white phosphorus and water. The drum is positioned on a scale beneath a fill pipe. An actuator lowers the fill pipe into the drum. A quantity of water is injected, followed by a quantity of white phosphorus, followed by a quantity of water to rinse the fill pipe. The fill pipe is raised just out of the liquids and allowed to drip, and then is fully raised to enable the filled drum to be replaced by an empty drum. The white phosphorus is injected at varying flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Atochem
    Inventors: Michel Miscevic, Claude Cochet
  • Patent number: 5474211
    Abstract: Dispensing mechanism includes a plurality of storage containers, each container having two or more metering pumps associated therewith. The containers and metering pumps are located on a turntable which is indexed to move a particular metering pump to a dispensing station. Automated dispensing equipment operate the metering pump at the dispensing station and the turntable is thereafter indexed a smaller amount to bring the other pump associated with the same container into a dispensing position. In this manner, a single actuator system can be employed for multiple discharge cycles associated with a particular canister, and can accommodate multiple canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Leendert Hellenberg
  • Patent number: 5460209
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing dry ingredient has a plurality of containers, each for a different ingredient. Each has a body having an internal chamber, and a port for dispensing the ingredient, which is arranged gravitationally below the chamber when in use. Each container has at least two baffles adjacent the port. The baffles are inclined and define a passageway through which the ingredient may pass. The passageway is sized and the baffles are inclined such that the ingredient rests upon the baffles. The apparatus also includes a collection stage that is arranged relative to each of the plurality of container ports so that ingredient dispensed from each port is deposited upon the collection stage. The apparatus also includes a vibrator for exciting at least one of the baffles of each container such that the ingredient is urged to pass through the respective passageway and out of the chamber.The apparatus typically further includes a controller for activating and deactivating the vibrators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Louise Jandura, Amy B. Smith, Susan D. Ward
  • Patent number: 5450882
    Abstract: A novel beverage dispensing apparatus and process for use by a consumer in a grocery store to fill recyclable containers with beverages, such as soft drinks. The apparatus includes a retraction assembly which comprises a yoke configured to engage a bottle for retracting the neck of the bottle into a dispensing chamber where the opening of the bottle is sealed in fluid communication with a beverage dispensing nozzle. The beverage dispensing nozzle is configured with three ports--a syrup port, a carbonated water port and a relief port. Through the syrup port, a syrup may be introduced into the center of the bottle. The carbonated water port is configured such carbonated water may be directed through onto a side wall of the bottle. The relief port is positioned concentrically about the syrup port and between the syrup port and the carbonated water port and provides a port through which the fluid being displaced by the beverage entering the container may exit the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Fountain Fresh International
    Inventor: E. Brent Cragun
  • Patent number: 5449028
    Abstract: A delivery device, especially for color and paints, has a plurality of nozzles or delivery ducts. The ducts being one connected to their own tank and arranged in such a way as to discharge into a single chamber which is directed into an underlying container. Around the discharge nozzles, a sealed chamber with removable bottom is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Italtinto S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Sindoni
  • Patent number: 5445195
    Abstract: An extremely compact and accurate device for simultaneously dispensing a plurality of liquids in individually pre-set volumes having: (1) substantially identical radially arranged sets having: a positive displacement metering piston pump, a fluid reservoir which houses a tint, a stirrer, and a valve spring; (2) an interconnecting passage connects the sets to respective dispensing nozzles; (3) a drive plate which moves the pistons and the stirrers between two pre-determined vertical positions for pumping and mixing the fluid; (4) a value for controllably diverting individual liquids independently in predetermined amounts from normally returning from the pumps to the reservoirs to move instead from the pump to small circularly arranged discharge nozzles; (5) a mechanism for aligning paint containers for tint dispensing; and (6) a solvent saturation system for reducing evaporation of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Dae S. Kim
  • Patent number: 5445193
    Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation and dispensing of liquids which are used in developing machines for photosensitive material has a vessel with an upright partition over which a freshly formed mixture containing at least one liquid substance can overflow from a mixing chamber into a storage chamber. The latter has a bottom wall disposed at a level below the bottom wall of the mixing chamber and provided with an outlet which discharges mixture into a collecting container. A pump is provided to circulate the liquid substance along an endless path extending in part through the mixing chamber, and the partition has an opening slightly above or at the level of the bottom wall of the mixing chamber to permit direct flow of mixture between the two chambers when the mixture in the storage chamber reaches a certain level. The flow of mixture through the opening is controlled by a valve including a float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Koeninger, Walter Kohlbauer
  • Patent number: 5396935
    Abstract: A small container is filled with a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen in a predetermined and precise concentration from a source of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen automatically, safely, and without the possibility of a human error. The empty weight is verified. Liquid oxygen is directed to vessel. When the mass of liquid oxygen is stabilized at a preset value, liquid flow is stopped. A second pipe is cooled using liquid nitrogen, by emptying through this pipe to the atmosphere liquid nitrogen. The vessel is filled with liquid nitrogen, until the vessel is full. The correct proportion of oxygen/nitrogen is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Robert Schegerin
  • Patent number: 5394911
    Abstract: An automatic dispenser for doughy food products, particularly for shop windows displaying ice cream products to be dispensed. The dispenser includes a taking unit which is movable with respect to ice cream containers present in the shop window. The taking unit dispenses a desired portion of ice cream and organizes the sorting, taking and dispensing of the desired portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Fadis S.R.L.
    Inventor: Corrado Zizola
  • Patent number: 5390713
    Abstract: A unitized tank structure is provided having a vessel, at least one fill line coupled to the vessel providing access to fill the vessel, at least one sump riser portion coupled to the vessel and extending therefrom, and at least one vacuum extraction system disposed within said sump riser portion. The extraction system includes fluid return structure to permit vapor or liquid which enters the sump riser portion to be returned to the vessel. The tank structure also includes at least one vent line disposed within the sump riser and extending therefrom so as to be in contact with the atmosphere and at least one dispensing line disposed within the sump riser portion and penetrating the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Manfred M. Fiech