With Manipulation Of Flexible Or Collapsible Receiver Or Supply Patents (Class 141/114)
  • Publication number: 20130112317
    Abstract: A device is provided for filling granular, pulverulent and free-flowing materials into a container, preferably a hose- and sack-shaped container, made of geotextile material. The device includes a housing that allows the advancement of the material and in which a conveying device is arranged. On the entry side of the conveying device the material can be filled in and on the exit side thereof a hose made of geotextile material receives the material. The hose can be shaped on the jacket of the housing, and can be unwound as a web from a feeding device that is designed like a roll. Longitudinal sides of the web can be connected to each other by a device in the region of the jacket. The housing includes a tubular body that extends perpendicular to the direction of advance and is arranged vertically, the tubular body interacting with a feeding device for the geotextile material, which rotates about the jacket of the tubular body and is designed as an unrolling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Roland Draier
  • Publication number: 20130109539
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly has a main body that is hollow. A hose connection is formed on the main body to receive a fluid. A stem extends away from the main body, and the stem is hollow. A tip is formed on an end of the stem, and the tip has a fluid outlet. An extension member extends away from the main body. A balloon retainer is connected to the extension member. The balloon retainer has an opening facing the fluid outlet. The balloon retainer is shaped so that inflation of a balloon to a greater inflation pulls a neck of the balloon off the stem to a released position so that the balloon flies off the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 8413691
    Abstract: A system to transport solids in liquid media, especially in the field of maritime and land transportation of fruits or vegetables in the agricultural produce area, or of any product having to be transported in liquid media for their protection against environment and the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Andesocean S.A.
    Inventors: Michael John Stead Faille, Peter Herbert Burger
  • Publication number: 20130081735
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a bag includes a resilient sheet having first and second portions separated by a scored boundary having the shape of an arc. The resilient sheet is arrangeable between a relaxed configuration, wherein the resilient sheet is generally flat, and a flexed configuration, wherein the first portion is flexed into a curved shape that results in the second portion bending toward the first portion along the scored boundary. When in the flexed configuration, the first portion is adapted to fit into an opening in the bag and the second portion extends from the bag and supports the resilient sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: EDISON NATION, LLC
    Inventor: EDISON NATION, LLC
  • Patent number: 8397769
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) for transferring incoherent or liquid material from a discharge station (S1) to a collection station (S2) is provided with a tubular conduit (6) located between said stations (S1, S2), and a tubular bag (9) for transferring the material from the discharge station (S1) to the collection station (S2); the tubular bag (9) develops longitudinally inside the conduit (6) between the discharge station (S1) and the collection station (S2), and is kept adherent to the conduit (6) likewise an interior coating of same conduit (6) by a pneumatic device (24, 31) which exhibits a suction region distributed along the conduit (6) between two longitudinal ends (7) of same conduit (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: ABC Pharmatech S.r.l.
    Inventor: Luca Catelli
  • Patent number: 8393364
    Abstract: In, for example, a direct methanol type fuelcell, fuel is allowed to be injected little by little when the fuel is injected and supplied from the outside to a fuel receiving part reduced in the amount of remaining fuel on the fuelcell body side and an electromotive part can be prevented from being damaged by keeping the pressure in the fuel receiving part at a fixed level or less when the fuel is injected. Specifically, when a fuel CL filled in a refuelling container C is injected into a fuel receiving part T in several lots, a fuel injecting operation is repeated in which the volume of the refuelling container C is shrunk and reduced to supply the fuel into the fuel receiving part T in a proper amount and then the original volume of the refuelling container is restored to thereby absorb the atmospheric gas in the fuel receiving part T, which makes it possible to inject fuel continuously without any hindrance to the injection of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masayoshi Tanaka, Kenji Yoshihiro, Kenjiro Tanaka, Daisuke Imoda, Kenichi Takahashi, You Yamamori, Koichi Narutaki, Kinuyo Shintani
  • Patent number: 8386070
    Abstract: In a preferred implementation, an automated pharmacy admixture system (APAS) prepares intermediary IV bags as drug sources for creating highly diluted patient doses in syringes. During the compounding process the APAS may align needles with a vial seal opening so as to ensure repeated entry through the same vial puncture site via precise control of needle position, needle bevel orientation, and needle entry speed. These techniques can in certain implementations substantially improve bung pressure sealing and reduced particulate generation. The APAS optionally creates drug order queues for incoming drug orders wherein the orders can be sorted by priority, drug type or patient location. A phantom queue can be combined with the incoming drug order queues to include frequently used medicaments to minimize operator loading of the APAS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Intelligent Hospital Systems, Ltd
    Inventors: Walter W. Eliuk, Ronald H. Rob, Lance R. Mlodzinski, Alex H. Reinhardt, Thom Doherty, Dustin Deck
  • Patent number: 8381780
    Abstract: Disclosed are a lift assembly and methods that may be used to raise a component of a system, a component such as a collapsible bag to be used as a reactor for performing chemical or biological reactions, and/or to position the collapsible bag for use. Use of the lift assembly may allow for the automated assembly of the systems described herein. In some cases, trauma to the system components is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Xcellerex, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Fisher, Parrish M. Galliher
  • Patent number: 8381775
    Abstract: A passive method for conserving fuel vapor by connecting the ullage space of the liquid fuel storage tanks to a bladder in a vapor conservation tank; connecting the ullage space of a liquid fuel delivery vehicle to air space of the vapor conservation tank, external of the bladder; delivering liquid fuel from the delivery vehicle into the liquid fuel storage tanks, the liquid fuel displacing fuel vapor from the storage tanks; delivering displaced fuel vapor into the bladder, the delivered fuel vapor inflating the bladder and displacing air from the air space of the vapor conservation tank, external of the bladder; and, thereafter, over time, delivering fuel vapor from the bladder into ullage space of the fuel storage tanks, replacing the volume of liquid fuel delivered from the fuel storage tanks into vehicle fuel tanks. A passive system for conserving fuel vapor is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: James W. Healy
  • Publication number: 20130042942
    Abstract: A method of filling a cartridge having one or more pouches. The method may include the steps of placing the pouch on a support, placing a first cartridge half over the pouch and the support, placing the pouch and the first cartridge half on a second cartridge half to form the cartridge, maneuvering the cartridge to a filling unit, and filling the pouch within the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventor: The Coco-Cola Company
  • Patent number: 8376002
    Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for filling tubular or bag-shaped packagings with a paste-like product, said apparatus including a fill pipe (1) and a holder for a casing brake that is arranged at the fill pipe (1), the pull-off movement is effected by means of a pivoting and pulling movement when the fill pipe (5) is pivoted away. This means that the casing brake is able to assume three sturdy positions in relation to the fill pipe (5) whilst not taking up much space and is able to be removed from the pipe (5) in a simple manner for changing a packaging tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Tipper Tie Technopack GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Jens
  • Patent number: 8360116
    Abstract: A standalone ice dispenser delivers ice in bagged form. The device uses a cone-shaped drum with an upwardly oriented mount that receives and stores the ice is gravitationally delivered to the drum from an ice maker. A motor rotates the drum such that a fin therein causes ice to advance toward and eventually out of the mouth of the drum. A bagging system uses a hopper that receives ice from the drum such that a blower to blow open a bag and thereafter a trap door drops allowing ice to drop from the hopper into the bag. Thereafter, the bagged ice drops to a floor panel which raises the bagged ice into a chute. Weight sensors attached to the drum determine whether the drum is empty or full and control operation of the ice maker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Tim Maxwell
  • Patent number: 8342215
    Abstract: Provided is a tire sealant liquid container that accommodates a tire sealant liquid, and that includes: an air inlet guiding therein a compressed air outputted by a compressor; and a tire sealant liquid outlet guiding the tire sealant liquid into a tire. The air inlet is provided at a position above a liquid level of the tire sealant liquid, and the tire sealant liquid outlet is provided at a position below the air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takumi Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 8307612
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a balloon with a fluid and tying a knot in the neck of the balloon, having a filling device body engaging a source of fluid under pressure. A balloon barb extends outwards from the body, and a fluid passageway in the body communicates with a control to allow the passage of fluid from the source to the balloon barb. A tying device extends from the body substantially parallel to the balloon barb, the tying device being detachable from and reattachable to a receptacle in the body of the filling device. A keyway is located either the tying device or an inner surface of the receptacle, and a key is located in the other of the tying device or the receptacle. The key corresponds in dimensions to fit in the keyway, where the key removably fits into the keyway when the tying device is inserted in the receptacle of the body of the filling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne Sikorcin
  • Patent number: 8307864
    Abstract: A valve assembly for vacuum sealing a collapsible storage bag including a first valve part and a second valve part. The first valve part being inserted into the second valve part with a wall of the bag in between, causing the wall of the bag to break and/or puncture. A valve sealing mechanism to control the air flow from within the bag through the first and second valve part and out the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Chris Dobkins
  • Patent number: 8307862
    Abstract: The bag opening assembly (8) of an automatic bag loader includes a pair of contra-rotating air-pervious endless belts (9, 10). Opposing pinch portions (24, 25) of the belts are provided for grasping opposing sides (5a, 5b) of the hag (1) therebetween and working flights of each belt are opposingly orientated and diverge from the pinch portions. A partial vacuum is drawn in a space (41, 42) adjacent each working flight (38, 39), formed in a shoe (36, 37) which supports the thereby separate the sides to open the bag while it is advanced between the diverging working flights. At least on of the rotary members (26, 27) is displaceable and an actuator (40) is connected thereto to press the pinch portions together to grasp the sides of the unopened bag and to separate the pinch portions to release the opened bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Gea Avapac Limited
    Inventor: Rhoderick John Williamson
  • Patent number: 8302635
    Abstract: A dosage-dispensing element (30) on a container (10, 11) for free-flowing or pourable bulk materials has an outlet spout (12) that reaches into the element. The element has an inlet opening (32) on the side facing towards the container, a clamping profile (42) and/or a quick-tightening device (44) which makes a releasable connection between the outlet spout and the element, a slot-shaped outlet opening (34) on the side that faces away from the container, a ring gap (22) between the outlet spout and the inlet opening, a wall (36) extending between the respective openings with an inside (37) and an outside (38), and a foil-shaped material (20), especially a foil hose or foil section, stored in the area of the outlet spout. The inlet opening, the inside of the wall and the slot-shaped outlet opening are covered with the foil-shaped material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Lorenz Bohler
  • Patent number: 8276624
    Abstract: A temporary mobility kit directed to a release arrangement for selectively releasing a sealant bottle from the base of the kit is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Ann Steele, Darryl L. Jones, Yingchao Guan
  • Patent number: 8272410
    Abstract: A method for filling a dispensing bag includes inserting a collapsed bag within a chamber of a bin and securing a lower end of the collapsed bag to the bin. After securing the lower end of the collapsed bag to the bin, a hoist coupled to an upper end of the collapsed bag is manipulated so that the hoist raises the upper end of the collapsed bag within the chamber while the lower end of the collapsed bag remains secured to the bin so as to expand the collapsed bag within the chamber of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: HyClone Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Elgan, Brett L. Allred, Gary Graetz, Jeremy K. Larsen, Jim A. Austin
  • Patent number: 8272409
    Abstract: Empty, flat folded storage bags which may be valve bags are prepared for filling with a flowable material, by seating and stacking a plurality of the bags on a fixed elevation base within a chamber of a bag holding magazine assembly, the resulting stack defining an initial stack rising from a lowermost one the bags on the base to an uppermost one of the bags. In a first cycle of operation, all but the lowermost bag is raised away from the base, the raised bags defining a depleted stack of bags. Then, while the depleted stack remains raised, the lowermost bag is removed from the chamber through a chamber outlet opening. Then, the depleted stack is lowered to seat a new lowermost bag on the base to complete first cycle. The cycle is repeated for each lowermost bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Target Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Vincent Rody Manzon, Jeffery Franklin Boyne, Ryan Stewart Maw, Stephen Douglas Erdman
  • Patent number: 8261785
    Abstract: A gripper used in, for instance, a bag filling apparatus including a pair of gripper arms provided with chuck holders. Each chuck holder includes first and second tubular portions, first and second tubular members slidably inserted therein, and first and second air cylinders installed within the tubular portions. An inside fixed chuck element is affixed to the tip end of the first tubular member, and an inside movable chuck element is attached to the tip end of the piston rod of the first air cylinder; in addition, an outside fixed chuck element is affixed to the tip end of second tubular member, and an outside movable chuck element is attached to the tip end of the piston rod of the second air cylinder; and the movable chuck elements are opened and closed with respect to the fixed chuck elements by the advance and retreat motions of the respective piston rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shoichi Koga, Kenji Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8251105
    Abstract: A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles has a compressor unit for producing compressed air; a container containing sealing fluid injectable into the inflatable article by means of a stream of compressed air from the compressor unit; a fluid line designed to connect the compressor unit to the inflatable article; and a sensor for determining a connection status to the inflatable article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Tek Global S.R.L.
    Inventors: Sergio Lolli, Maurizio Marini
  • Patent number: 8251111
    Abstract: A balloon inflator includes a nozzle adaptor configured to fit over an outlet of an inflation nozzle. A nozzle receipt is provided by the balloon inflator housing to selectively receive the nozzle adaptor and a switch is provided at the nozzle receipt. The nozzle adaptor is adapted to trigger the switch when received at the nozzle receipt. The switch controls the power supplied to the motor, such that different motor operating parameters are realized when the switch is triggered and when the switch is not triggered. In a particular embodiment, the nozzle adaptor includes vent channels that exhaust a portion of the air to the atmosphere when a balloon is fitted over the alternate outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Premium Balloon Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Nelson, Martin A. Meluch, Valent L. Meluch, Wesley A. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8245737
    Abstract: In a filling system for sealing and inflating tires, comprising at least one pressure source, in particular a compressor, and at least one container for receiving tire sealant, the container for receiving tire sealant is to be of tire-like design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Stehle
  • Patent number: 8240345
    Abstract: A fluid supply includes a container, a bag within the container and a cap. The cap provides a fluid interface in communication with an interior of the bag and a pressurization interface in communication with an interior of the container adjacent an exterior of the bag. The pressurization interface has a channel that concentrically extends about the fluid interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Ender, Craig L. Malik, Norman E. Pawlowski, Benjamin Zoladz
  • Patent number: 8210546
    Abstract: A tube holder for a tube filling machine includes a cup-shaped housing having a tube receptacle that opens towards the top and into which one end area of a tube can be inserted. At least one vertical groove is formed in the area of the inner wall of the tube receptacle into which a clamping element is inserted, wherein the clamping element can be radially displaced substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal central axis of the tube receptacle and is pivotably disposed about a pivot axis that extends substantially tangentially relative to the inner wall of the tube receptacle. A clamping force that acts radially from the outside onto the inserted tube can be applied by the clamping element under the action of upper and lower spring elements. The pivot axis is thereby formed on a pivot bearing which permits radial displacement of the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Köhler
  • Patent number: 8201690
    Abstract: End user filled protective packaging with self-sealing air bubbles includes a bubble layer, a valve layer and a valve cover layer. A plurality of bubble cell patterns are formed on the bubble layer with adhesive, glue or heat sealing. The valve layer is attached to bubble layer. A plurality of check valves are formed on the valve layer with adhesive, glue or heat sealing. An air opening is formed through each one of the plurality of check valves to inflate the plurality of bubble cells. The valve cover layer is attached to the valve layer. A row with at least one bubble cell is filled with air by applying a source of air at an entrance of the check valve. Inflation of the at least one bubble cell causes the valve layer and valve cover layer to contact each other to seal the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Larry C. Gess
  • Patent number: 8201586
    Abstract: To prevent a burr, produced from the joint portion by welding between a liquid agent container and an injection unit, from interfering with a boring member inserted into a jig communication passage when the boring member is inserted into the jig communication passage to prevent the obstruction of the piercing action through a sealing member by the edge of the boring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Yoshida, Ryuji Izumoto, Shinichi Iwasaki, Rieko Iwasaki, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8196620
    Abstract: The improved bag valve includes a flexible bag (4) made of an impermeable material with an opening that is closed by a valve (6) for filling the bag (4) with a desired product. The empty bag (4) is rolled up or folded about a longitudinal axis (X-X?) and kept in the rolled position. The bag (4) is designed so as to elongate itself when filled with the desired product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Ecopack France S.A.S.
    Inventor: Alfons Jozef Fransen
  • Patent number: 8186392
    Abstract: A device for filling a container with a liquid product, the container having a compartment which communicates with the surroundings via a filling duct. The device comprising a filling tube with an end portion, which is insertable into the filling duct. The device includes a clamp which is adapted to grasp the end portion and the filling duct when said end portion is inserted into said filling duct to provide a seal. The clamp has gripping surfaces which are arranged to cooperate with the end portion when the clamp grasping the filling duct. Each gripping surface has opposite edge portions, a bead being arranged in each edge portion. The end portion has a circumferential surface which is formed of two opposite partial surfaces which each comprise a convexly curved central portion and a concavely curved side portion arranged on each side of the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolean Research & Development A/S
    Inventor: Per Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 8181676
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to temporary mobility kits that repair punctured tires. Some embodiments of the kit include an air compressor; a sealant assembly selectively connected to the pump; a sealant hose in the sealant assembly, configured to connect the air compressor to a tire valve; and a first circuit configured to assess a connection condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Ann Steele, Yingchao Guan, Darryl L. Jones, Zhi Qiang He, Sergey Maryanovsky
  • Publication number: 20120111449
    Abstract: A bag sealer and an ice vending machine using the same are provided. The ice vending machine includes an ice making module, an ice storage bin, a bag sealer, and an ice guiding mechanism. The ice storage bin is located below the ice making module and used for storing the ice manufactured from the ice making module. The ice guiding mechanism is disposed between the ice storage bin and the bag sealer. The ice guiding mechanism is used for guiding the ice from the ice storage bin into the bag sealer. Because a cutting tool of the bag sealer is using the first electrothermal element to cut the roll of the plastic bags, the bag sealer can be installed in the ice vending machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Yung-Shung HSU
  • Patent number: 8167007
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling a container of a collapsible type with a product. The device comprising a valve housing with a filling tube, which is insertable into a filling duct of the container to supply the product to the compartment through a product path; a piston element arranged in the product path and comprising a valve body and an end element, the piston element being movable between a first position, in which the valve body blocks the product path and the end element counteract dripping, and a second position, in which the valve body opens the product path and the end element defines, together with the outlet portion, a filling passage; and a squeezing apparatus establishes a seal between the filling tube and the filling duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolean Research & Development A/S
    Inventor: Per Gustafsson
  • Publication number: 20120085458
    Abstract: A system for controlling the loading of grain in a grain bag is described. The system includes a grain cart, a tractor attached to the grain cart, and a grain bagger with an attached grain bag. The grain bagger further comprises a steering and steering control systems and a braking and braking control system. A hopper connected to the grain bagger receives grain from an auger connected with the hopper and auger and defines a loading position in which a distal end of the auger is positioned relative to the hopper such that grain transfers from the auger into the hopper. A controller provides velocity and steering commands to the tractor and a coordinated movement system connected to the controller receives position information as to the auger and hopper and provides course adjusting information so as to maintain the auger and hopper in the loading position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Edward Wenzel
  • Patent number: 8151835
    Abstract: An automated medication preparation system for delivering a dosage of medication to a drug delivery bag having a fill port through which the medication is delivered into the bag includes an automated transport device for controllably delivering each drug delivery bag from one location to another location via a driven member. The system has a carrier that releasably captures and holds a portion of the bag and orients each bag such that the fill port of each bag is positioned at a uniform location relative to the carrier. The carrier is coupled to the transport device such that movement of the driven member is translated into movement of the carrier and the captured drug delivery bag. An automated drug delivery device is part of the system and includes a drug delivery member that sealingly mates with the fill port for delivering the dosage of medication to the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: FHT, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdul Wahid Khan, Dennis Tribble, Joel A. Osborne
  • Patent number: 8146622
    Abstract: A temporary mobility kit to minimize or prevent the inadvertent outflow of tire sealant is provided. The temporary mobility kit includes a switch-inflator assembly and a removable sealant assembly. The switch-inflator assembly includes an air inflator and an associated hose for inflating a tire. The switch-inflator assembly further includes a diverter switch, a power-on, power-off switch, and an air pressure gauge. The diverter switch is a user-operated switch which moves an associated diverter valve between an air inflation function and a sealing function. The sealant assembly includes a sealant hose having a sealant tire valve connector. Electrical wires are provided in operative association with the sealant hose and electrically connect the sealant tire valve connector and the sealant assembly. A circuit arrangement is provided which prevents the inadvertent outflow of tire sealant through a logic arrangement which includes a reset circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yingchao Guan, Kimberly Ann Steele, Darryl L. Jones, Zhi Qiang He, Sergey Maryanovsky
  • Patent number: 8132599
    Abstract: An automated system for inflating balloons. A balloon inflator comprises an electronic control system that activates the pressurized gas source to inflate a balloon. The balloons are fed through the inflator on a belt and, at the appropriate time as governed by the electronic control system, pressurized gas is emitted into a balloon. Once the balloon bursts or is removed from the inflator, the belt is advanced and that the next balloon is inflated. In the preferred embodiment, the system comprises multiple inflators and the electronic control system is operated remotely using radio frequency signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Conray, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Crandell, Raymond Crandell
  • Patent number: 8128040
    Abstract: A method and device of inserting a food stuff into a food stuff bag is disclosed, with the method involving providing a substantially flexible resilient food stuff support that is generally “U” shaped when viewed from its operative position on a countertop, inserting at least a first end of the device a short depth into an opening of a pliable bag, such first end having an edge that is curved and opposing sides that are substantially straight. A bending mechanism bends so that at least the first end deforms from a first configuration to a second configuration for insertion of the first end through the bag opening and into an interior of the bag, wherein when the forces are reduced, the first end changes shape toward the first configuration for holding a portion of the bag and for providing an open volume within the bag for transferring a food stuff to the interior of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Brad Blessman
  • Patent number: 8122924
    Abstract: A coupling closure is provided for substantially environmentally-sealed reversible closure of containers or hose elements. At least one first flexible band with at least one first closure element is provided. At least one second flexible band is provided with at least one second closure element that is complementary to the first closure element. A top side of the first band comprises at least one third closure element and a top side of the second band comprises at least one fourth closure element. Also a coupling closure is provided for substantially environmentally-sealed reversible closure of containers or hose elements comprising a plurality of frame bands and articulation devices. Immediately adjacent frame bands are connected with one another via at least one articulation device between the immediately adjacent frame bands to form a circumferential folding frame wherein inner sides of at least two adjacent or opposing frame bands are foldable one on top the other to form a closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Gea Pharma Systems AG
    Inventors: Martin Koch, Joachim Stoyle, Stefan Vogler
  • Publication number: 20120031526
    Abstract: A balloon shaping apparatus includes a balloon shaping element which is configured to define a shape of at least a portion of a balloon. In use, the balloon is positioned against, and may be wrapped at least partially around, the balloon shaping element. With the balloon in place against the balloon shaping element, the balloon may be at least partially inflated, then removed from the balloon shaping element. The resulting inflated balloon retains at least a portion of the shape imparted to it by the balloon shaping element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Grassley, Laura J. Nance, James Towse
  • Publication number: 20120012228
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with a paper yard waste bag is disclosed. The bag has a flat rectangular bottom and, when expanded and empty, interiorly defines a void substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism. The apparatus includes a body having collapsed and expanded configurations as well as a support and a chute. When collapsed, the support is smaller than said prism. When expanded and in use, the support is disposed in a portion of said bag to hold that portion at least substantially fully expanded and the chute is disposed exteriorly of the bag and leads through the support into said bag, the chute having a base side arranged substantially coplanar with a wall of the bag, thereby to permit said bag and apparatus to be positioned with the wall of the bag and the base side of the chute on the ground to function like a dustpan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Stefanos Karabas, Joe Pantaleo
  • Patent number: 8065859
    Abstract: An agricultural bagger apparatus and method for compacting feed into a horizontally deployed bag including a moving hopper wall and mechanism for moving the wall at an input end of hopper. The wall moving mechanism and the moving wall of the hopper sweeps the feed adjacent to the sloping wall to prevent feed bridging. A safety enclosure isolates the wall moving mechanism from contaminants and prevents exposure to the wall moving mechanism. Some embodiments also compact feed in the upper portion of a tunnel, for example, by reciprocating a hinged piston above a primary compression mechanism. A tunnel-adjustment mechanism varies a cross-section area of the tunnel exit in order to control the amount of compaction on the feed as it leaves the tunnel and enters the bag. In some embodiments, dual counter-rotating toothed compression mechanism force feed between the rotors and into the tunnel at a rate and pressure greater than what is possible with only one multiple-toothed compressor rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Paul R. Wingert
  • Publication number: 20110272062
    Abstract: A tubular structure of rectangular plant arranged mounted on the distal end of both pairs of rotating arms (13/14) (15/16) that extend backwards from a lower sector of the machine, below the tunnel (C). The rotating arms constitute a system of distorting parallelograms that define a lifting equipment capable of displacing the cradle to be arranged over the external surface of the tunnel. The pairs of rotating arms extend from respective elongated plates (8) fixed to the machine body, extending towards outside, exceeding the line of the back edge of the tunnel. From the free end of the plates there extend the pairs of rotating arms, and extend up to connecting with the curved side (6) further away from the tubular structure that constitutes the cradle, keeping the same oriented towards the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Alberto José Bartolomé Gaviglio
  • Patent number: 8042580
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for capturing and containing SF6 gas leakage from a gas enclosure. The apparatus includes a portage flexible gas storage container of material which is substantially impermeable to SF6 gas. The container includes a gas inlet which is adapted to be coupled in a sealable manner to a surface surrounding a leakage source thereby capturing the SF6 gas in the container. The container inflates under pressure from the captured gas in order to accommodate up to a predetermined capacity of SF6 gas. The apparatus can be adapted to act as a container for transporting SF6 gas from a gas source to an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Golden Triangle Enterprises Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Anthony Stokes
  • Patent number: 8037906
    Abstract: An apparatus designed to fill multiple water balloons and other water-based toys at the same time is herein disclosed. The apparatus takes the form of a large stand approximately thirty-four (34) inches high and twenty-four (24) inches wide made using polyvinylchloride (PVC) piping and fittings. The apparatus is supported across the bottom using two (2) “T”-shaped legs, also made of PVC pipe. A water connection to a standard garden hose is provided on one (1) leg near the bottom. Four (4) angled valves are provided across a top portion, such that up to four (4) users can use the apparatus simultaneously to refill water-based toys such as squirt guns or water balloons. When finished at each station, each user can easily turn off an individual valve, thus avoiding the wasting of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Edward J. Grillo
  • Patent number: 7992601
    Abstract: A cut hole type air lock valve is disposed in an air chamber formed by allowing two outer films to be adhered to each other by means of hot sealing. A part of rims of both inner films folded together are adhered to each other and several portions of rims thereof are formed to be air inlets in the cut hole type air lock valve. Furthermore, the air inlet is connected to an air passageway between the inner films, and at least one cut hole is disposed on the inner films beside the air passageway. When outside air flows into the air passageway via the air inlet and is filled in an air chamber via the cut holes, the air chamber is caused to fill with air and inflate, and air inside air chamber thrusts the inner films so as to block the air passageway to cause the air to be locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventors: Chian Hua Liao, Yao Sin Liao, Bo Xin Jian
  • Patent number: 7975732
    Abstract: A device (1) for holding sacks open, with a frame (2), wherein the frame (2) forms the opening (5) of the device (1) for holding sacks open, and the opening (5) can be closed by means of a cover element (3), which is mounted in a pivotable manner on the frame (2), the frame (2) having at least one guide element (2a), by means of which the cover element (3) can be moved from a first position into a second position, wherein the cover element (3) in the first position can be pivoted and optionally closes or exposes the opening (5) of the frame (2), and in the second position the cover element (3) serves as a ramp over the side web (2j) of the frame (2), lying on the ground, and is held on the frame (2) in a manner secure against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Italia Stampa s.r.l
    Inventor: Reinhard Schoniger
  • Publication number: 20110139300
    Abstract: In, for example, a direct methanol type fuelcell, fuel is allowed to be injected little by little when the fuel is injected and supplied from the outside to a fuel receiving part reduced in the amount of remaining fuel on the fuelcell body side and an electromotive part can be prevented from being damaged by keeping the pressure in the fuel receiving part at a fixed level or less when the fuel is injected. Specifically, when a fuel CL filled in a refuelling container C is injected into a fuel receiving part T in several lots, a fuel injecting operation is repeated in which the volume of the refuelling container C is shrunk and reduced to supply the fuel into the fuel receiving part T in a proper amount and then the original volume of the refuelling container is restored to thereby absorb the atmospheric gas in the fuel receiving part T, which makes it possible to inject fuel continuously without any hindrance to the injection of the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Masayoshi Tanaka, Kenji Yoshihiro, Kenjiro Tanaka, Daisuke Imoda, Kenichi Takahashi, You Yamamori, KShouzou Shintani, Koichi Narutaki
  • Patent number: 7958918
    Abstract: An automated ice vending apparatus and method including an ice generating machine capable of producing enough ice to sufficiently keep full a receptacle positioned beneath the ice generating machine, a first ice moving device with cutting members positioned within the receptacle to move ice from the receptacle to a second ice moving device, wherein the ice is subsequently transferred to a removable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Jon Ladson
  • Patent number: 7954520
    Abstract: A highly portable sand bag hopper has the shape of a cabinet with the front open. The flat, solid top of the cabinet has a loading opening for loading sand into a lower cone. A horizontal sliding door located near the lower, smaller tapered end of the cone opens and closes the lower discharge opening by pulling a spring-loaded lever arm. The upper part of the cone is loaded with sand at a predetermined level to discharge discreet amounts of sand. A seal may be located around the lower opening to sweep sand or debris from the top of the discharge door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: James Michael England