Dumping Or Draining Patents (Class 141/106)
  • Patent number: 11360411
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a development cartridge supplying toner accommodated in a toner accommodating portion to an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoconductor to form a toner image, a toner refilling portion in the development cartridge and on which a toner refill cartridge for refilling toner in the toner accommodating portion is mounted, and a controller controlling operations of the image forming apparatus based on a connection between the development cartridge mounted on the main body and the toner refill cartridge mounted on the toner refilling portion. The toner refilling portion connects the toner refill cartridge to the main body through an interface between the development cartridge and the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: SeungSup Lee, Jinwoo Noh, Young Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 11333995
    Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus which includes an image forming job unit in which a toner cartridge is mounted, a toner refill unit, and a controller. The toner refill unit may be connected to refill toner supplies, and to supply refill toner to the mounted toner cartridge from the refill toner supplies. The controller may control the image forming apparatus, based on an operation of the toner refill unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: Jung Woon Jung
  • Patent number: 11311128
    Abstract: A method and device for transferring a plurality of glassware from a glassware-holding rack to a flip ray presenting an array of the glassware in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventors: Ivan Tanaskoski, Bratislav Glisic
  • Patent number: 11209754
    Abstract: A printer includes a main body including a communicating portion, a development cartridge attachable to and detachable from the main body, the development cartridge to supply toner contained in a toner container to an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoconductor, to form a visible toner image, and a toner refilling portion connected to the toner container. The toner refilling portion includes a mounting portion into which a toner cartridge insertable from outside the main body through the communicating portion to be mountable, a toner inlet portion provided in the mounting portion to receive toner from the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion, and an inlet shutter switchable between a blocking position where the toner inlet portion is blocked from receiving toner, and an inlet position where the toner inlet portion is open to receive toner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: SeungSup Lee, Min-Chul Lee, Jiwon Moon, Woongyong Choi
  • Patent number: 11167971
    Abstract: A product transfer device has a funnel. A plurality of legs is coupled to a bottom area of the funnel. A plurality of stabilizers is attached to a top area of the funnel for holding a container within the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Steven Michael Abbit
  • Patent number: 11002408
    Abstract: A rack for supporting containers upside down for drainage. The rack includes container holders for maintaining the containers in a desired orientation during the drainage process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Gino Plourde
  • Patent number: 10822139
    Abstract: A fluid management device is disclosed. The fluid management device includes a fluid collection member that extends the entire length and width of a bulk storage container. The fluid collection member has a generally concave surface which directs fluid to a drain opening that is aligned with an opening in the storage container. A bulk storage container having a fluid management device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew Wondra, Richard Wondra, Lee Wondra
  • Patent number: 10082083
    Abstract: A drain system for a combustor of a gas turbine includes a plurality of drain tubes, a vertical header connected to an end of each drain tube to receive a fluid flow therefrom, and a horizontal header downstream of the vertical header and in fluid communication therewith. Each drain tube has another end adapted to be connected to a respective combustor can of the gas turbine to drain liquid therefrom. The vertical header is disposed at an angle between 30° and 90° with a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dhiraj Lahukant Mahadik, Venugopala Durwasula Raju, Anil Kumar Dasoji
  • Patent number: 9975751
    Abstract: A funnel having a collection area disposed at one end of the funnel. A base surface of the collection area is flat. A flange surrounding an inlet opening is positioned spaced from the collection area. When the funnel is placed in a vertical orientation with the base surface of the collection area contacting a horizontal surface, a lowermost edge of the flange surrounding the inlet opening is aligned with the base surface of the collection area. The funnel is thereby supported in a vertical orientation on the horizontal surface by two contact points. Alternately, the base surface of the collection area may support the funnel vertically by itself. In this position, the residual fluid in the funnel is transferred by gravity to collect within the collection area. No residual fluid is allowed to escape from the interior of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NAVAJO MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon Levy, Shawn Shelton
  • Patent number: 9494909
    Abstract: Printing devices have, among other components, a cartridge positioned within the interior of a device body to receive print media from a sheet feeder. A photoreceptor and marking material are maintained within the cartridge. The photoreceptor transfers marking material from within the cartridge in a pattern to the print media. The printing apparatus also includes a receptacle, that is potentially on the exterior of the device body, which is connected to a supply conduit. A storage container can be positioned in the receptacle. The storage container generally holds only marking material, and the storage container easily and conveniently resupplies the marking material to the cartridge through the supply conduit when the storage container is positioned in the receptacle (e.g., after the cartridge has consumed the original supply of marking material) so as to extend a useful life of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lee David Roche, Leslie Wynn, Mohan Vijayalaya Pandian, Sreedharan Deepak Nair
  • Patent number: 9476542
    Abstract: Provided is a drip containment apparatus that in certain example embodiments may comprise a ceramic body having a glazed exterior surface and an unglazed interior surface defining a cavity therein, and an aperture defining an opening from the exterior surface to the interior surface, the aperture and interior surface being adapted to receive therein a distal portion of a funnel and to support the funnel so that residual fluid inside the funnel will tend to drip into the interior of the ceramic body and be absorbed into the ceramic body but not leak through the glazed exterior surface. A support structure may be provided to support the ceramic body while it is holding the funnel. The ceramic body may be ornamental in appearance. In one embodiment the ceramic body is adapted to be hung on a wall during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Brian P. Irwin
  • Patent number: 9392911
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing liquid from one container into another container is disclosed. The apparatus is placed over a fuel tank and receives an inverted, portable fuel container to allow fuel to be transferred from the portable fuel container into the fuel tank in a hands-free manner. The apparatus includes a body, tube, base, and supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Coburn Mikacich
  • Patent number: 9242843
    Abstract: A funnel with the ability to receive and secure one or more inverted source containers for transferring fluids to a receiving container, without requiring the assistance of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph Nkwantabisa
  • Patent number: 9127801
    Abstract: Provided is a drip containment apparatus that in certain example embodiments may comprise a ceramic body having a glazed exterior surface and an unglazed interior surface defining a cavity therein, and an aperture defining an opening from the exterior surface to the interior surface, the aperture and interior surface being adapted to receive therein a distal portion of a funnel and to support the funnel so that residual fluid inside the funnel will tend to drip into the interior of the ceramic body and be absorbed into the ceramic body but not leak through the glazed exterior surface. A support structure may be provided to support the ceramic body while it is holding the funnel. The ceramic body may be ornamental in appearance. In one embodiment the ceramic body is adapted to be hung on a wall during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Brian P. Irwin
  • Patent number: 9016330
    Abstract: A device, system and/or method for dispensing a fuel additive to a fuel tank that employs a fuel additive delivery device secured to an opening of the fuel tank. The delivery device is fluidly coupled to a fuel additive reservoir. The delivery device includes a cap that automatically opens or closes fluid communication with the fuel additive reservoir. The delivery device also includes a bore defined through the delivery device configured to receive a fuel filler spout with a fuel passageway outlet positioned in the bore such that, as fuel passes through the bore and into the fuel tank, the bore is configured to create a suction at the fuel additive outlet to pull fuel additive from the reservoir, through the delivery device, and into the fuel tank with the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Hunt, Gaylen W. Ercanbrack
  • Patent number: 8910672
    Abstract: A powdered drink mix dispensing assembly includes a stand that may be placed on a support surface. A hopper is coupled to a top end of the stand. The hopper has powdered drink mix stored in it. A dispenser is coupled to a bottom end of the hopper. The dispenser is selectively actuatable so the dispenser dispenses a measured amount of the powdered drink mix. A bottle is positioned beneath the dispenser. The bottle contains a fluid. The bottle receives the measured amount of powdered drink mix so the powdered drink mix is mixed with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventors: Henry El Cheikh, Claudette El Cheikh
  • Patent number: 8875751
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing container includes: a housing having a bottom plate with a feed opening defined therein, and a generally cylindrical outer wall extending around an outer periphery of the bottom plate; a funnel disposed at a lower end of the housing, in flow communication with the feed opening; a drum having an outer wall defining an interior that is partitioned into at least two chambers which are open at upper and lower ends thereof, the wall including a cylindrical portion which is coupled to the outer wall of the housing, such that the drum is rotatable relative to the housing; and a removable cap which closes off the upper end of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Moses Nueman, Jr., Wayne Grubaugh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8726948
    Abstract: A drink layering portion machine reliably creates undisturbed air bubble free multiple drink layers. The portion machine includes a flat bottom hollow structure, a top with a pouring cup that is shaped as a bowl having a hemispherical or semi-circular basin and having a central aperture at its bottom base. A thin rod, preferably textured, passes through the aperture with a small clearance. A second aperture displaced from the first aperture supports the thin rod providing wobble free movement. The bottom end of the thin rod carries a float, preferably textured. The drink layering portion machine is placed with a hollow structure encircling or hovering over a glass and stabilizing it from tilting. The float rests on the liquor in the interior of the glass as liquor is poured into the pouring cup. The liquor runs down at a slow volumetric rate through the small clearance, down the thin rod, over the float external surface into the glass forming layered undisturbed drink free from air bubble entrapment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher C. Haramis, Matthew N. Haramis
  • Patent number: 8069882
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling a container (7), particularly an open bag, with a powdery product has the following features” a net scale (1) situated above a tube arrangement and/or hopper arrangement (2), which terminates in a filler neck (6) above the container (7) to be filled while preferably projecting into this container. An intermediate chamber (3) is arranged downstream of the net scale and upstream of the container (7) to temporarily hold at least a portion of the product released by the net scale, and a compacting device (8, 9) is provided for compacting the product placed inside the container (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Haver & Boecker oHG
    Inventor: Alois Combrink
  • Patent number: 7997305
    Abstract: A drink layering potion machine reliably creates undisturbed air bubble free multiple drink layers. The potion machine includes a flat bottom hollow cylinder, a top with an integral conical pouring cup having a central aperture at its bottom tip. A thin rod passes through the aperture with a small clearance. A second aperture displaced from the first aperture supports thin rod providing wobble free movement. The bottom end of the thin rod carries a float. The drink layering potion machine is placed with a hollow cylinder encircling a glass and stabilizing it from tilting. The float rests on the liquor in the interior of the glass as liquor is poured into the conical pouring cup. The liquor runs down at a slow volumetric rate through the small clearance, down the thin rod, over the float external surface into the glass forming layered undisturbed drink free from air bubble entrapment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher C. Haramis, Matthew N. Haramis
  • Patent number: 7866353
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling a container (7), particularly an open bag, with a powdery product has the following features” a net scale (1) situated above a tube arrangement and/or hopper arrangement (2), which terminates in a filler neck (6) above the container (7) to be filled while preferably projecting into this container. An intermediate chamber (3) is arranged downstream of the net scale and upstream of the container (7) to temporarily hold at least a portion of the product released by the net scale, and a compacting device (8, 9) is provided for compacting the product placed inside the container (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Haver & Boecker oHG
    Inventor: Alois Combrink
  • Patent number: 7395841
    Abstract: A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, with minimal dispensing delays. During fill operations, a preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated storage compartments. Dispensing operations are performed in response to dispense request commands. The fill operations are performed in a manner independent from the quantity of tablets identified by the dispense request commands. During the dispensing operations for a particular dispense request command, the preset number of tablets are emptied from one or more of the dedicated storage compartments, thereby avoiding delays associated with counting all of the dispensed tablets. Moreover, the fill operations and the dispensing operations may be performed in parallel for high-throughput dispensing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kirby Lester, LLC
    Inventors: Aleksandr Geltser, Vladimir Gershman, Michael R. Gomez
  • Patent number: 7383862
    Abstract: A discrete object dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of objects, up to a maximum number, without a substantial delay associated with counting all of the tablets. A preset number of objects are counted and stored in dedicated primary chambers. Furthermore, an overflow chamber is provided for temporarily storing and then dispensing tablets which are fed to the primary chamber after the primary chambers are filled with their respective number of tablets. In addition, a direct feed channel is provided for dispensing individually counted tablets. The chambers and direct feed channel can together dispense the selected number. It is also preferable that the chambers have subchambers, and that more than one subchamber be capable of being emptied during a single dispensing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Kirby Lester, LLC
    Inventors: Aleksandr Geltser, Vladimir Gershman
  • Patent number: 6962174
    Abstract: The invention discloses an assembly for collecting residual motor oil from standard plastic motor oil containers comprising a housing with two inlets sized, configured and positioned for receiving plastic motor oil containers. An outlet at the bottom of the housing adapted to be placed within a residual oil collection unit substantially closes the collection unit, permitting collection of contaminant-free residual oil. The assembly further includes a base welded to the housing with support arms for the plastic motor oil containers. Multiple assemblies may be stacked to provide the ability to collect oil from additional motor oil containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Charles Trantham
  • Patent number: 6763861
    Abstract: Rack system for supporting devices such as funnels, small and fluid containers to drain residual fluid after use. Residual fluid drains into a pan shaped collection device that may be filled with a layer of fluid absorbent material. Drain pans can be positioned on the system for draining residual fluid into the collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: William J. Saks, III
  • Publication number: 20040108016
    Abstract: Rack system for supporting devices such as funnels, small and fluid containers to drain residual fluid after use. Residual fluid drains into a pan shaped collection device that may be filled with a layer of fluid absorbent material. Drain pans can be positioned on the system for draining residual fluid into the collection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: William J. Saks
  • Patent number: 6716315
    Abstract: Water draining device for a paper machine or the like, in particular for a felted press of such a paper machine, including a receiving tank extending at least essentially over the machine width. The receiving tank includes a first chamber that receives arriving water and is under ambient pressure, and a second chamber that is connected to the first chamber and is under vacuum, into which the water collecting in the first chamber is aspirated and from which the water is eventually drained. A water receiving device of improved efficiency is also provided by forming a water receiving device by at least one suction channel projecting into the wedge-shaped area between the upper press roll and the dewatering belt, and extending transverse to the pulp web, which suction channel is connected to a source of reduced pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Steiner, Robert Wolf, Hans Prinzing
  • Patent number: 6615880
    Abstract: A process is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates in a machine, wherein one or more concentrates and/or one or more diluents are mixed together in a mixing chamber; and the product is dispensed from said machine into a storage container. A machine is also provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates, wherein said machine comprises one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with one or more mixing chambers. Further, a process is provided for the simultaneous multiple mixing and dispensing of a plurality of products employing a machine comprising one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with a plurality of mixing chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Timothy Hewlitt, Steven Kelsey, William Maskell, Jerard O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6588463
    Abstract: An oil drip catching apparatus includes a wall mounting bracket having a base portion adapted for attachment to a wall, a top portion, integral with the base portion and adapted for receiving an upper rim of a funnel, and a bottom portion, integral with the base portion and spaced apart from the top portion. A means for receiving a drip catching bottle in dowardly directed and adapted for removable engagement with the bottle. A spring is engaged with the bottom portion, and adapted for directing a spring force upwardly on the funnel, the Drips from the funnel are directed into the drip catching bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Dana Swan
  • Patent number: 6546970
    Abstract: A nozzle for filling operations with two liquid and/or gas products for filler machines which can be aligned with a mouth of a container to be filled comprising a first fixed shutter element (21) and a first outlet opening (18) in a moveable hollow body (16, 16a), wherein the hollow body (16, 16a) is associated at the top with a first feeding system (12) for a first product to be dispensed into the container and the hollow body (16, 16a) can be moved between at least one engagement position, in which the first opening (18) is closed by the first shutter element (21), and a disengagement position, in which such a first opening (18) is opened and the first product flows into the container, moreover said first shutter element (21) being at least partially hollow (19) so as to be equipped on one side with a second outlet opening (38), coaxial with said first opening (18) in said hollow body (16, 16a), and on the other side with a second feeding system (11) for a second product to dispense into the container, wher
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: OCME S.r.l
    Inventor: Carlotta Gatteschi
  • Patent number: 6539989
    Abstract: An oil and liquid manifold drain system is provided as an apparatus that allows plastic oil containers to be drained completely before disposal. A plurality of ports are provided that hold oil cans or bottles in an upside down condition for a long period of time, envisioned to be hours. The ports can be hydraulically connected to a common manifold that would drain by gravity, back to a common container where the contents could be reused, recycled or disposed of properly. While specifically designed for motor oil, the invention could also be used for other liquids that are commonly sold in small size plastic containers and a percentage of the liquid remains clinging to the inside of the can or bottle after pouring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Fred C. Walden
  • Publication number: 20020108676
    Abstract: A nozzle for filling operations with two liquid and/or gas products for filler machines which can be aligned with a mouth of a container to be filled comprising a first fixed shutter element (21) and a first outlet opening (18) in a moveable hollow body (16, 16a), wherein the hollow body (16, 16a) is associated at the top with a first feeding system (12) for a first product to be dispensed into the container and the hollow body (16, 16a) can be moved between at least one engagement position, in which the first opening (18) is closed by the first shutter element (21), and a disengagement position, in which such a first opening (18) is opened and the first product flows into the is container, moreover said first shutter element (21) being at least partially hollow (19) so as to be equipped on one side with a second outlet opening (38), coaxial with said first opening (18) in said hollow body (16, 16a), and on the other side with a second feeding system (11) for a second product to dispense into the container, w
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Carlotta Gatteschi
  • Patent number: 6408898
    Abstract: An oil recovery device for removing oil lining the interior of oil containers. The oil recovery device includes a housing having a front wall having a plurality of openings therein. Each of the openings has a drawer therein hingedly coupled to the front wall. Each of the drawers has a plurality of compartments therein. Each of the base walls has a pipe attached thereto. The pipes are in communication with the compartments of the attached drawer. A tube is fluidly coupled to the housing and extends into the bottom wall. Each of a plurality of oil containers may be positioned in one of the compartments such that oil within the oil containers may be drained into the pipes. The oil may then be removed from the housing through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventors: Edward S. Huss, Pamela J. Huss
  • Patent number: 6405765
    Abstract: A wall mounted device for recovering oil or other fluids from at least one open mouthed container in its inverted position comprising a funnel with one or more inlets at its upper portion for retaining the neck of a container, and an outlet port at its lower end. The outlet port has a pivoting threaded nozzle for receivably adapting a container so that the device can be mounted in close proximity to a wall and provide the ability to view a sight strip that is commonly used on plastic containers. The upper portion includes closures for the inlet(s) when they are not in use preventing contamination. The device is made of a transparent plastic material allowing constant random inspection of the interior. The upper and lower portions may be easily disconnected for cleaning by releasing a snap from its catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Rickie Michael Handrick
  • Patent number: 6276410
    Abstract: An oil funnel assembly for providing a user with a more efficient and quicker way to change oil. The oil funnel assembly includes a funnel that includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a distribution opening that is designed for inserting into an oil receiving port of an engine. A plurality of dividers are coupled to the upper portion of the funnel. The dividers are positioned to form a grid that includes a plurality of spaces. Each of the spaces is designed for receiving and holding an inverted oil container such that oil in the inverted oil container drains into the funnel and out of the distribution opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen G. Esmeralda
  • Patent number: 6260589
    Abstract: A liquid collection apparatus for easily collecting and disposing of liquid waste such as oil. The liquid collection apparatus includes a container member having end walls, an open top, and a bottom wall which has a first and second side portions which are slanted downwardly and toward a centrally-disposed longitudinal channel with the bottom wall being slanted downwardly from one end wall to the other end wall; and also includes a spigot member securely disposed in the other end wall; and further either includes a plurality of compartments disposed inside the container member and being spaced above the bottom wall with a screen member disposed between the bottom of the compartments and the bottom wall or includes a base member having pole-like support members extending upwardly therefrom with each pole-like support member having branch members which are adapted to support an upside down liquid-containing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventors: Roberto Zeppieri, Luciano Di Luciano
  • Patent number: 6202708
    Abstract: A cassette is described including a housing, an inner reservoir located within the housing, a valve coupled to the inner reservoir and coupled to the housing, and a delivery conduit coupled to the inner reservoir and emerging from the delivery opening of the cassette. The cassette also includes a dispensing apparatus that defines a passage and has a first activating device that opens the valve of the cassette. The dispensing apparatus also has a second activating member capable of establishing fluid communication with a medicant container. A method of mixing a powdered drug and a liquid includes establishing fluid communication between the reservoir and the medicant container, dispensing at least a portion of the liquid into the medicant container, and transferring the mixed drug into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: SIMS Deltec, Inc.
    Inventor: Gail Bynum
  • Patent number: 6119737
    Abstract: A tablet packing apparatus of the present invention have a tablet feeding section 2 for feeding tablets, tablet vessel feeding sections 3 for feeding tablet vessels 11, and a tablet packing section 4 for packing tablets fed from the tablet feeding section 2, into a tablet vessel 11 fed from the tablet vessel feeding sections 3. The tablet feeding section comprises a plurality of feeder vessels 36 for storing different types of tablets and a tablet conveyor 27 for conveying the tablets discharged from the feeder vessels 36, to the tablet packing section 4. In the apparatus, the following restoring process is executed. After the apparatus is stopped due to abnormality, the tablets remaining in the guide paths 31 and the tablets conveyor means 27 are conveyed to the tablet packing section 4 by the tablets conveyor means 27 to recover them into the tablet vessel 11 and then the tablet vessel 11 is transferred to the container chamber 6 of the storage shelves 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Tsuyoshi Kodama, Shinichi Honda, Hirotaka Hayashi, Hirofumi Hayashi, Kouichi Sugimoto, Akitomi Kohama
  • Patent number: 6109313
    Abstract: A oil recycler for collecting used oil such as from the draining of oil from an engine so that the used oil may be dispensed into storage containers at measured volumes. The oil recycler includes a trough with a plurality of depressions downwardly extending from the bottom of the trough. Each depression has a bore therethrough. A support structure is included for supporting the trough above a resting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Brian C. Phelps
  • Patent number: 6065649
    Abstract: A dispensing container for viscous fluids formed of a tubular body having top and bottom surfaces with the top surface including a threaded outlet neck and the bottom surface including a recessed portion with a female threaded opening. The container is designed to operate in an upside-down manner to take advantage of gravity flow. A hanger ring is provided which pivots out of the recessed portion to suspend the container in an upside-down position. A plurality of bottles can be vertically supported by a dispensing manifold to yield different dispensing relationships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Lester E. Scoggins
  • Patent number: 5983960
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an oil container repository designed to separately collect used motor oil containers and the residual oil left over within each container so that each can be recycled. The invention, in one embodiment, comprises an upper and a lower compartment. The upper compartment has an opening on the top to receive discarded oil containers. A divider separates the upper compartment with the lower compartment. The divider may have a tilted V shape surface and an opening at the bottom. The opening connects the upper compartment to the lower compartment such that the collected containers remain in the upper compartment as they can not fit through the opening. However, opening is sufficiently large to allow the residual motor oil flow through and into the second compartment. The second compartment in turn has an opening for drainage which will permit the drainage of collected motor oil from said second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Carlton Haugh
    Inventor: Carlton Haugh
  • Patent number: 5967203
    Abstract: A collecting device for collecting a viscous fluid comprising a base having a front panel, a back panel and an interior area located therebetween. A lower portion of the base further includes an outlet port. This outlet port is adapted to be located into a holding container. Located on the front panel and/or back panel are a plurality of apertures which extend into the interior area. A holding receptacle is secured in front of each aperture. Accordingly, utilization of the device occurs once bottles are inverted into the apertures. The holding receptacles maintain the bottles in a fixed and inverted position. Residue of the viscous fluid located within the bottle flow from the bottles to the side walls of the interior area. Gravity forces the residue to the outlet port and into the holding container. This collected material can be stored for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Jesse Locke Culver, III
  • Patent number: 5967201
    Abstract: A drainage system is provided including a hollow housing and a flexible hose having a first end connected to a bottom of the housing and a second end with a oil port couple for being releasably connected to an oil port of a vehicle. Situated on the housing is a valve for selectively allowing a fluid within the housing to flow through the hose. Next provided is a hanging assembly mounted on the housing for hanging the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Carlton L. Gasior
  • Patent number: 5954087
    Abstract: There is provided a system for collecting fluids, such as lubricating oil, in a facility for storing parts, such as lubricated metal coils, wherein fluid is directed away from the stored parts to a location where the fluid may be easily collected without interruption of facility operations, and thus rendering frequent or regular cleanup of the floor of the storage area unnecessary. To this end, the storage facility is equipped with a trough on at least one side of a bay adapted for holding the parts. The bay is further equipped with a plurality of channels for collecting fluid leaking from the parts. The channels are sloped toward at least one trough such that the fluid collected in the channels flows into the troughs. A reservoir is optionally located at one or both ends of each trough for collecting the liquid, and the reservoirs may be periodically emptied to discard the collected fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Precision Strip, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Wolf, Thomas J. Wente, Theodore T. Nagel
  • Patent number: 5884676
    Abstract: An oil filter drainage box having a plurality of support members for holding spent oil filters. The drainage box comprises a container having four side walls, a lid and a base member. The spent oil filters are placed on the support member and the residual oil in the filters drains out due to gravitational forces. The base member is inclined slightly to allow the oil to collect in a reservoir which is situated within the base member. There is a plurality of support posts extending upwardly perpendicular to the base member for engaging the spent oil filters. The lid provides a watertight seal which prevents the oil from leaving the box and damaging the environment. The reservoir is provided with a valve assembly. The valve assembly has a coupling which is attached to the reservoir, a valve, and a hose. The hose is attached to an oil vacuuming unit, which is preferably mobile and carries a complement of storage tanks and air compressor/vacuuming units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Gary Sage
  • Patent number: 5865094
    Abstract: A beverage maker comprises a frame which has an upper panel with one or more circular or oval apertures into which may be inserted metal or plastic holders for paper beverage filters. A middle panel comprises an adjustable drip shelf. The drip shelf is placed at a distance below the upper panel, which spacing is large enough to admit cups of typical size and small enough to prevent excessive spillage when fluid drains down from the filter holders into the cups. What spillage does occur passes through perforations in the drip shelf and is collected in a removable drip pan. Hot water is poured into individual filter holders by hand, which produces a plurality of small portions of beverage simultaneously or in rapid succession for beverage service in a commercial environment. Alternatively, fixed members for dispensing water into the filter holders can be added above the top panel, such as push-button fixed-volume fluid dispensers or manual spigots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Michael J. Kealy
  • 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: 5653271
    Abstract: An oil and oil filter recycle apparatus useful to consumers who change their own oil comprising the assembly of a receptacle for the oil and oil filter, a support within the receptacle to keep the oil filter from being immersed in dried oil, and a drain unit which is low profile to go under vehicle, invertible to empty its contents into the receptacle for transport to a recycle location, and mated to the receptacle to seal the receptacle and drain unit mutually against leakage while anchoring the support screen in the receptacle inward of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventors: Charles Brittain, Gilbert B. Ross
  • Patent number: 5647414
    Abstract: Curbside oil filter and oil recycle apparatus comprising a bucket sized to receive an oil filter and its oil, a support within the bucket to maintain the oil filter in a draining position out of contact with its oil, and a lid closing the bucket top against oil spillage should the bucket be upset, the lid having a removable plug through which the oil filter can be passed, the residual oil in the bucket being removable to a mobile container by suction from the bucket through a conduit passing the filter support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventors: Charles Brittain, Gilbert B. Ross
  • Patent number: 5641007
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device which can support a plurality of paint brushes and/or paint rollers and enable them to drain in an efficient manner. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a housing having rear wall component and a container component. The container includes a bottom surface which is tapered inwardly toward a draining aperture. This draining aperture can be connected to a receptacle by way of a length of tubing. Thus, the user of the device can support it upon a wall or upon the edge of a bath tub. A number of brushes and/or paint rollers can then be supported within the container portion of the device and have any paint dripping therefrom run off into the bottom surface of the container through the tube and into a receptacle for disposal or reuse. The various components of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Peter M. Falk