With Manipulation Of Flexible Or Collapsible Receiver Or Supply Patents (Class 141/114)
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Patent number: 7178564Abstract: A puncture sealant supplying/removing apparatus includes a pressure-resistant bottle, an apparatus body on which the pressure-resistant bottle can be mounted, supply hose means which supplies or returns a puncture sealant accommodated in the pressure-resistant bottle to or from a tire, and a high pressure air source. The apparatus body comprises a venturi flow-path having a venturi portion, a first flow-path extending from the venturi portion into the pressure-resistant bottle, and a second flow-path extending from an inside of the pressure-resistant bottle and connected to one end of the supply hose means. The venturi flow-path is provided at its one end with an air intake which is connected to the high pressure air source, the venturi flow-path is provided at its other end with an opening/closing tool capable of opening and closing the other end.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihide Kojima, Yasuhiro Kubota
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Patent number: 7174927Abstract: A vacuum device and method for extraction of a substance from a fluid source, the vacuum device including an upper member that may be selectively, and operably, connected to a lower member. The upper member defines a bottom opening, and has a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the bottom opening. The vacuum pump is selectively coupled to an energy source. The lower member defines an inner cavity, a first opening, and a second opening, the inner cavity in communication with the first opening and the second opening. An elastic membrane defining an interior cavity is disposed in the inner cavity and is coupied to the first opening of the lower member.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: SpectRx, Inc.Inventors: Danny F. Lincoln, Krishna Kumar, Mark A. Samuels
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Patent number: 7174924Abstract: A method for filling a container with a plurality of particles includes the step of filling a radially flexible container through a large diameter with a plurality of particles to a fill level. The method also includes the step of reducing the large diameter of the radially flexible container to a smaller fill diameter in vertical relationship to the fill level as the fill level rises during filling of the flexible container. The method also includes the step of varying the vertical relationship between the fill level and the smaller fill diameter in response to the density of the particles.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Kellogg CompanyInventors: David C. Ours, Randall L. Cary
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Patent number: 7168458Abstract: A water treatment product comprising a mixture of at least one active ingredient and a first fluid, wherein the concentration in the product of the active ingredient is at least 50% on a weight basis and the viscosity of the product is at least 2,000 centipoise or 2 pascal seconds, the product adapted to be further diluted upon addition to a second fluid stream to be treated.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Roger A. Benham
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Apparatus for decanting pulverulent product and method which can be carried out using said apparatus
Patent number: 7168460Abstract: An apparatus for decanting pulverulent product (Q) into a receptacle (50) made of deformable material which receptacle is arranged in a container made of rigid material and is temporarily placed upstream of a lock system containing so-called glove boxes, a shaft (64) is rotatably mounted at a distance (n) from an adjustable base (B), on which shaft at least one hood designed as a glove box, at least one hood trough (80) made of metallic material, preferably of stainless steel, is fixed; at least one support plate (78) for the rigid container is attached to length-adjustable piston/cylinder units (76) at an adjustable distance from the shaft (64), the support plate being parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis (N), and the rigid container is sealingly connected at the other end to a connecting tube (34a) which projects into the hood or the hood trough (80) or the hood system.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventors: Yves Dietrich, Frédéric Dietrich -
Patent number: 7162852Abstract: A device for filling stand-alone flat-bottom bags with opposing side edges and a bottom, in particular filling them with liquid including a filling carousel which can rotate about a vertical axis and which has a plurality of holders for one bag each provided on its circumference. The filling carousel has a bag feeding station, a bag opening station, a filling station and a removal station as well as a sealing station. To optimize the filling device and in particular to achieve a higher throughput, a magazine for prefabricated bags and a feeding carousel for the bags is provided in the bag feeding station, containing a plurality of holding devices for one bag each whereby the holding devices can be driven to rotate about a common axis in order to remove each bag individually from the magazine and transfer it continuously to a holder of the filling carousel.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Erich Eder
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Patent number: 7156132Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible fluid container for handling liquid. The collapsible fluid container has an interior volume for storing the liquid, which defines a main chamber and an auxiliary chamber connected to the main chamber. The auxiliary chamber is positioned to receive a substance. A fitment is sealed to the collapsible fluid container that defines a port communicating with the interior volume of the fluid container.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Kevin O'Dougherty, Robert Andrews, John Titus
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Patent number: 7147016Abstract: A balloon inflation device for use with a keyed balloon weight associated with a balloon to be filled with gas includes a source of pressurized gas sending gas through gas lines and multiple valves associated with an inflation block, wherein each valve is opened by properly manipulating elements of the inflation block. A key weight valve is opened by placing a key weight into a key weight receptacle in the inflation block, and a clamp valve is opened by manipulating a clamp mechanism. The key weight is associated with a balloon having a open neck that is placed over an inflation nozzle of the inflation block, before placing the key weight into the key weight receptacle. The clamp mechanism clamps the neck of the balloon to the inflation nozzle as it opens the clamp valve. With both valves open, gas may flow to the inflation nozzle to fill the balloon.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Premium Balloon Accessories, Inc.Inventors: David C. Nelson, Michael J. Frazier, John J. Andrisin, III, Martin A. Meluch
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Patent number: 7140406Abstract: The invention relates to a device for compensating for pressure drop in a product pipe through which a liquid flows and a system comprising such a device. The device comprises a collapsible tube portion, which is connectible to the product pipe and is characterized by a limiting means, which is adapted to counteract stretching of the tube portion in the circumferential direction and which is adapted to allow free collapsing of the tube portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Eco Lean Research & Development A/SInventor: Per Gustafsson
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Patent number: 7124878Abstract: An agricultural feed bagging machine rotor which includes a plurality of rotor teeth mounted thereon with each of the rotor teeth having a tooth face provided thereon. Each of the tooth faces has a progressively increasing thickness from the inner end thereof to the outer end thereof. The outer face of each of the tooth faces has a channel formed therein with the depth of the channel progressively decreasing from the outer end of the tooth face towards the inner end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLCInventor: Steven R. Cullen
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Patent number: 7121308Abstract: A fuel supply device for direct methanol fuel cells includes a fuel tank for storing liquid fuel, a cavity plate formed on the fuel tank, the cavity plate storing liquid fuel transferred from the fuel tank, and a nozzle plate formed on the cavity plate, the nozzle plate ejecting upwardly the liquid fuel stored in the cavity plate, wherein a fuel tank body of the fuel tank includes a bellows type vessel capable of contracting and expanding. Accordingly, it is possible to actively control an amount of liquid fuel supplied by the fuel supply device to a fuel cell while minimizing electric power consumption, and to effectively remove by-products, thereby improving efficiency of the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hye-jung Cho, Xiao-bing Luo
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Patent number: 7117656Abstract: Apparatus and methods for bagging organic and other material such as silage, compost, grain, sawdust, dirt, sand, etc., wherein plastic material is dispensed from a roll mounted on the bagging machine so that the plastic material is at least partially wrapped around the material being bagged as the bagging machine moves ahead during packing and filling.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLCInventor: Steven R. Cullen
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Patent number: 7114534Abstract: The present invention is a composite trash container that includes a container body defining a trash chamber and an opening that provides access to the trash chamber; a support mounted to the container body adjacent the opening, the support having a flange extending therefrom that is configured for rotational mounting a tubing cassette above the trash chamber, wherein the support encloses less than all of the opening to the trash chamber so that trash can be passed through the opening and into the trash chamber; a tubing cassette rotationally mounted to the flange of the support; and a tube sealing means for forming trash packets from tubing that is dispensed from the tubing cassette.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Chomik, Mark Yoho
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Patent number: 7111653Abstract: An expansion tank (1) which is intended to be connected to a pipe system which is filled or is to be filled with liquid, comprises a substantially closed tank (2) having at least a first connection opening (6) for connection to a liquid pipe, a second connection opening for connection to a source of pressurized gas (14), and an element (8) which can move inside the tank and is designed to move with the interface (11) between liquid (9) and gas (10) in the tank. The tank is provided, at the location of the second connection opening, with a valve assembly (7) which can open and close the second connection opening and can be actuated by the movable element (8) in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Flamco B.V.Inventors: Jan Henk Cnossen, Jan Hendrik Timmerman, Dimitri Wasil Kemper, Jan Postma
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Patent number: 7104291Abstract: An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel capable of storing a plurality of ice pieces to provide a constant supply of ice over an indeterminate period of time and an ice transferring device designed to transport a portion of the ice pieces through and out of an aperture in the holding vessel, and optionally, an upwardly directional ice transport device operably positioned to transport the ice pieces upwards to a weighing device, whereby the weighing device meters out a portion of ice pieces and deposits the portion into a readily transportable container. Methods of delivering containerized ice in situ are also included.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Ice House America LLCInventors: Donald J. Dalton, Roy Lavon Stripling
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Patent number: 7104288Abstract: A pressurized container includes a vessel defining a chamber therein. A housing that is connected to the vessel defines an outlet that is fluidly separated from the chamber by a closure member. A moveable member may be seated within and form a seal with the housing and abut the closure member. Activation of an initiator propels the moveable member through the closure member, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet. Also, the chamber might include a first portion and a second portion, wherein an isolator member substantially fluidly separates the first portion and the second portion. Gas released from the first portion initially inflates an air bag associated with the pressurized container and gas released from the second portion maintains the inflation of the air bag for a time.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Fink
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Patent number: 7104293Abstract: In a coupling element for decanting, filling, or emptying of containers, a first sealing strip a flank piece comprising elastic as a first mounting element at a first end defining a first inner space for retaining a first axis, and a second mounting element on a second opposite end defining a second inner space for retaining a second axis. A second sealing strip comprising elastic has a first mounting element on a first end which defines a first inner space for retaining the second axis, and a second mounting element on a second opposite end which defines the second inner space for retaining the first axis. Inner sides of the flank pieces of the first and second sealing strips are attachable to one another to form a seal.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: GEA Buck Valve GmbHInventors: Peter Lais, Joseph Sywalla, Joachim Stoye, Martin Koch
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Patent number: 7086429Abstract: A positioning mark and a display mark are formed in an inner bag body. An inner bag supply-discharge opening is inserted into a tank supply-discharge opening as the positioning mark conforms to a central line extending in the longitudinal direction of the tank body. A bending line in one end portion that is close to the inner bag supply-discharge opening is set above the display mark. Sine the folding line is away from the inner bag supply-discharge opening, the end portion close to the inner bag supply-discharge opening is not filled with liquid in the early stages of the liquid filling, so that the damage of the inner bag and the filling failure can be eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshitsugu Moizumi
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Patent number: 7077172Abstract: A waste collection device includes a body including a housing defining an opening. The housing opening allowing an open end of an associated bag to be folded thereover and a housing receiving a closed end of the associated bag therein. A pulling mechanism is connected to the body and removably connected to the associated bag for selectively pulling the associated bag into the housing. To use, the open end of the bag is positioned adjacent waste material to be collected. The pulling mechanism then pulls the bag into the housing and the waste material is simultaneously transferred into the bag.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventors: Jerzy Perkitny, Sidney R. Good
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Patent number: 7073545Abstract: A tool allowing both the inflation and deflation of air-filled bags such as dunnage bags is disclosed. The tool comprises rotatable controls to easily and safely manipulate both the flow of air into the device and the mode of operation between inflation and deflation. A venturi tube is used to draw air rapidly from a bag when the tool is deployed in deflation mode, while a radial vent system dissipates the force of the air exiting the device during deflation.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventors: Mike L. Smith, John R. Leszczyna
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Patent number: 7048017Abstract: A silage bag filling machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer silage storage bag includes a generally horizontal chamber through which a ram reciprocates in a generally horizontal direction, forcing silage from the chamber into a frame which carries the gathered sidewall of the silage storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. An loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag filling machine feeds silage into the horizontal chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Inventor: Michael J. Koelker
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Patent number: 7032628Abstract: A mobile prepressurized fluid storage tank is disclosed where the compressed air, completely separated from the fluid by a flexible diaphragm, dispenses the fluid under pressure, e.g., into an engine. The prepressurized diaphragm-type fluid storage tank is initially charged with a gas on one side of the diaphragm. A connector on the other end of the tank is connected to the fluid pumping system. Fluid is pumped into the tank until a predetermined pressure is reached and then the fill valve is shut off. A second connection attached to a bottom system connection has a hose. At the end of the hose there is a fluid shut off valve. Dispensing of the fluid takes place through the fluid shut off valve. The prepressurized fluid storage tank is mounted on a frame that contains wheels for mobility.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Amtrol, Inc.Inventors: Larry T. Guillemette, Joseph A. Lane
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Patent number: 7025097Abstract: A method of operating a filling apparatus for filling bags includes providing a fill hopper having a discharge opening, and positioning each bag to be filled beneath the discharge opening. To promote efficient operation, each bag is positioned in a stand-by position after one of a pair of bag openers, which open each bag, has been moved a sufficient distance from the previous bag to provide clearance in the stand-by position. The cycle time for positioning, opening, and filling each bag is desirably decreased for promoting efficient operation of the filling apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Campbell Wrapper CorporationInventor: Glenn Hayes
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Patent number: 7011742Abstract: A system for transferring blood product between a blood storage bag and a processing bag. The system includes an airtight containment chamber for supporting therein one or more blood storage bags. A door is provided for access to the chamber and there is included an airtight fixture that allows tubing from the blood storage bag to exit the chamber. A fluid pump is coupled to the containment chamber for establishing either pressure or vacuum within the containment chamber. A controller controls the air pump to, in turn, control the transfer of a blood product.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: ZymeQuest, Inc.Inventor: Keith Rosiello
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Patent number: 7011119Abstract: An underground tank releases vapors depending upon air pressure. As pressure increases, vapors decline. When pressure decreases, vapors increase and escape the tank or spill to pollute the atmosphere. A container for trapping vapors has a housing upon a base. Within the housing one or more bags hang upon stems connected to piping at fittings. The stems have perforations to admit vapors into the bags. The stems are connected serially to the piping upon the base. As vapors enter the piping, the bags inflate within the housing. When tank or spill pressure declines, the vapors exit the bags and return to the tank or spill via the piping.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Husky CorporationInventor: Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
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Patent number: 7007725Abstract: A sanitary bag having an outlet tube, the bag adapted to be sanitarily filled with water by an end-user of the bag, and an insulated container to hold the bag in a location remote from a water-filling location, the container including a spigot, wherein the outlet tube of the bag extends through the spigot. A method including attaching an input member from a sanitary water supply to an inlet of a bag in a substantially sealed configuration, filling the flexible bag with water, removing the input member from the inlet without allowing any contaminants to reach the water, and placing the flexible bag within a portable insulated container for use at a location remote from the filling location.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Inventor: Shaun Peltier
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Patent number: 7004207Abstract: System for refilling a fuel cell wherein the system includes a main container having at least one movable fuel container, at least one movable electrolyte container, and at least one spent fuel chamber. A valve which regulates or controls fluid flow between the main container and a fuel cell and vice versa. A method of refilling a fuel cell provides for moving the at one movable fuel container and the at least one movable electrolyte container to cause spent fuel from fuel cell to enter the at least one spent fuel chamber. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: More Energy Ltd.Inventors: Gennadi Finkelshtain, Mark Estrin, Moti Meron, Eric Torgeman, Rami Hashimshony
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Patent number: 7004209Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible mounting for securing at least one evacuation member to a fitment for use in a collapsible bag. The mounting comprises a peripheral ring adapted to fit within a spout of the fitment, a central member to which the at least one evacuation member is secured and a plurality of spring members extending between the peripheral ring and the central member, the spring members supporting the central member while permitting the central member to be displaced relative to the peripheral ring.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Liqui-Box Canada Inc.Inventors: Samuel N. Davis, James Johnson, Kevin Bergenthun, Timothy Frazier
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Patent number: 6997352Abstract: A liquid dispenser has a support (2) for a collapsible container (28) and a connector (60), including a stopper (8), to connect an actuator of the liquid dispenser to the collapsible container (28). The stopper (8) is movable from a first position to a second position in which the stopper (8) connects to the collapsible container (28), whereby operation of the actuator causes the delivery of liquid from the dispenser. The collapsible container (28) is a flexible pouch (38) having a valve (52) which, upon movement of the stopper (8) into its second position, is moved from a first position preventing loss of liquid from the pouch (38), into a second position in which the stop valve (52) allows the delivery of a quantity of liquid from the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Brightwell Dispensers LimitedInventors: Geoffrey Sallows, Etienne Vincent Bunoz
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Patent number: 6994126Abstract: A squirt gun includes a hollow housing in the form of a gun with a liquid dispensing assembly within the housing. The liquid dispensing assembly includes a rigid pressure vessel having either a gas-filled compressible bladder or a spring-loaded piston disposed within. The vessel is connected to a flexible tube with a nozzle at one end, and the gun is adapted to receive and expel water to and from the vessel through the nozzle. A pivotable trigger cooperates with the flexible tube to either enable both the receiving and expelling, or to deny the expelling of the water. To fill the gun, water is forced into the vessel under pressure, which compresses the air bladder or the piston to retain that pressure within the water-filled vessel. To expel the retained water, the trigger is moved to an “open” position, which allows the water to be forced from the pressurized water-filled vessel, through the nozzle, and from the gun as the air bladder or the piston expands.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Inventor: Frank Marino
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Patent number: 6991005Abstract: A piercing apparatus for piercing a small compressed gas bottle to quickly inflate an expandable sack (1) comprises a small gas bottle (6), a housing (20) carrying in an inner chamber (21) thereof a piercing element (7) having a bit (72) provided with an axial passageway (73) communicating with the sack (1), and a release mechanism (8), being charged by a counteracting spring (89) to push the piercing element (7) against the small bottle (6). The release mechanism comprises a release element, being connected to a flexible transmission (30) of control means (3), as a protuberance (87), and the piercing element (7) is fixed on a front end of a collet chock (70), which is provided with fingers (88) to grip the protuberance (87). The collet chock (70) is slidable between a gripping condition and a releasing condition of the protuberance (87) upon the operation of control means.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Benedetto Fedeli
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Patent number: 6978811Abstract: A forage loading assembly substitutes a large reciprocating piston for the traditionally employed auger to impel and compact the forage into a huge bag. In an intermediate but simultaneous action, the forage is brought by a conveyor to the site of a preliminary rotable impelling assembly which transfers it horizontally to a point within the pathway of a piston. The bottom of the conveyor is suspended to avoid being dragging along the ground during widely recognized forward creeping assembly phenomenon.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Inventors: James Martin Meixelsperger, Jared James Meixelsperger
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Patent number: 6978812Abstract: A mobile bag filling system for filling bags with fluent matter, such as sand, and comprises a hopper, a flume, and first and second conveyor systems. The hopper receives the fluent matter from a source and an auger within the hopper moves the fluent matter onto the first conveyor system and transfers the fluent matter from the hopper up a ramping section to the flume. The flume directs the fluent matter into at least one holding receptacle, or sandbag. The second conveyor system receives the sandbag after it has received the fluent matter and moves the sandbag sufficiently to one side of the flumes to allow a user to fill another sandbag. The mobile bag filling system may also include a sandbag docking station configured to receive the sandbag after the sandbag has received the fluent matter and disconnected from the flume.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Inventor: Joe Summerville
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Patent number: 6973946Abstract: A silage bag filling machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer silage storage bag includes a generally horizontal chamber through which a ram reciprocates in a generally horizontal direction, forcing silage from the chamber into a frame which carries the gathered sidewall of the silage storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. An loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag filling machine feeds silage into the horizontal chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Michael J. Koelker
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Patent number: 6971417Abstract: An apparatus for evacuation of a storage bag is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a case, a flange mounted on the case, a fan, and a motor operatively arranged to drive said fan.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Keystone Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Leonard A. Deni
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Patent number: 6962036Abstract: A device and process for filling flexible receptacles set on rigid or semi-rigid outer receptacles, includes, prior to usage, rolling up a flexible receptacle having upper loading and lower unloading mouths, and fitting a wrapping around the rolled-up receptacle; and during usage, fitting the flexible receptacle in a rigid or semi-rigid outer receptacle such that the lower unloading mouth of the flexible receptacle is positioned in a lower recess of the rigid or semi-rigid receptacle, fitting an upper bridge having a slot on the outer receptacle to control unfolding of the flexible receptacle during a filling operation, fitting the loading mouth in a corresponding support of the upper bridge, fitting surplus flexible material of the flexible receptacle in the slot in the upper bridge, and connecting an outer unloading conduit with the loading mouth of the flexible recipient to fill the flexible recipient with a material.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Inventors: Vicente Salva Transfiguracion, Felipe Puig Aguilella
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Patent number: 6959739Abstract: Methods for filing tubes having inner and outer tubes separated by a predetermined gap are provided including delivering the tube to a tube filling station, filling the predetermined gap at the tube filling station by centering the outer tube with respect to an elongated nozzle including a plurality of filling pipes corresponding to the predetermined gap and a mandrel for insertion into the inner tube by means of a centering sleeve disposed externally around the elongated nozzle to provide the outer tube with a nominal cross sectional shape and centering the inner tube with respect to the elongated nozzle by means of the mandrel disposed within the inner tube to provide the inner tube with its nominal cross sectional shape, positioning the elongated nozzle proximate to a common tube shoulder at the first end of the tube connecting the inner tube to the outer tube, filling the predetermined gap with the plurality of filling tubes while guiding the elongated nozzle out of the second end of the tube while retainType: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Norden Pac Development ABInventor: Hans Linnér
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Patent number: 6935385Abstract: The invention provides a diameter reducing system for reducing the diameter of a flexible container as the container is filled. The system includes a stretching device to stretch the container at the fill level as the container is filled with a plurality of particles. The stretching device can release a stretched portion of the container substantially at the fill level as the fill level rises. The container can be a flexible, elastic bag. Shrinking of the container at the fill level as the container fills promotes supporting engagement between particles to enhance the structural integrity of the filled container and to reduce the likelihood that particles will be damaged during movement of the filled container.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Kellogg CompanyInventors: David C. Ours, Randall L. Cary
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Patent number: 6932126Abstract: An open frame has a base. The base has horizontal parallel legs. The base has first free ends and second ends. An integral horizontal connecting leg is between the legs. The open frame has a pivotable support. The open frame has angled legs. The angled legs have lower ends and upper ends. A connecting plate is provided between the ends. The open frame also has a pair of pivot brackets. Each bracket has a lower pin pivotably extending through the first end of a horizontal leg. Each bracket has an upper pin pivotably extending through the lower end of an angled leg. A cylindrical lower hoop is coupled to the connecting plate. A cylindrical upper hoop has an operative position such that it is centered over the first hoop. Secured to the upper hoop is a plate. The second hoop may be rotated from the first hoop.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Andrew J. Spagnolo
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Patent number: 6932124Abstract: An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel capable of storing a plurality of ice pieces to provide a constant supply of ice over an indeterminate period of time and an ice transferring device designed to transport a portion of the ice pieces in a substantially horizontal direction through and out of the holding vessel, and optionally, an upwardly directional ice transport device operably positioned to transport the ice pieces upwards to a weighing device, whereby the weighing device meters out a portion of ice pieces and deposits the portion into a readily transportable container. Methods of delivering ice to a consumer are also included.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Ice House America LLCInventors: Donald J. Dalton, Roy Lavon Stripling
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Patent number: 6932125Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon kit that provides one or more balloons, a cylinder filled with a compressed gas, such as helium, and a conduit adapted to connect to the cylinder. The cylinder comprises an ORMD cylinder that may be mailed or transported and used at any convenient time. When connected to the cylinder, the conduit punctures the cylinder and dispenses the helium into a balloon. After the balloon is inflated, the open end of the balloon is sealed to contain the helium in the balloon. The balloon kit may also include ribbons and/or weights to attach to the balloons and/or a card to present to a recipient along with the balloons. The conduit may comprise an external nozzle or an internal conduit disposed in an open end of a balloon. Exemplary cylinders include two sections threadably coupled to form a cylinder for holding the helium.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Virgil E. Stanley
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Patent number: 6923223Abstract: A storage device for a liquid medium has a housing having an interior provided with at least one partitioning element dividing the interior into a first chamber for receiving the liquid medium and into a second chamber filled at least partially with a gas under pressure. The gas keeps the liquid medium in the first chamber under pressure. The at least one partitioning element is formed at least partially of an expandable bellows fastened pressure-tightly to a lid of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbHInventors: Alfred Trzmiel, Roland Meyer, Andreas Wild
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Patent number: 6904946Abstract: An ice-bagging apparatus that provides an establishment with the ability to automatically and expeditiously produce, bag and store bags of ice, thus maintaining a desired supply of bagged ice and eliminating conventional methods of manual ice-bagging and reducing the likelihood of unwanted bridging of the ice.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Inventor: Charles James
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Patent number: 6901974Abstract: The present invention is a composite trash container that includes a container body defining a trash chamber and an opening that provides access to the trash chamber; a support mounted to the container body adjacent the opening, the support having a flange extending therefrom that is configured for rotational mounting a tubing cassette above the trash chamber, wherein the support encloses less than all of the opening to the trash chamber so that trash can be passed through the opening and into the trash chamber; a tubing cassette rotationally mounted to the flange of the support; and a tube sealing means for forming trash packets from tubing that is dispensed from the tubing cassette.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Chomik, Mark Yoho
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Patent number: 6899147Abstract: A filler material packing system for packing a granular or fragmental filler material in a bag-shaped hollow surface material includes a suction-type packing container, and means for delivering the filler material. The packing container has an inner space. At least a part of the surface material is air-permeable, and the surface material is positioned in the inner space. The packing container has a suction port and an entry port that are connected to the inner space. The filler material is delivered to the inside of the surface material positioned in the inner space of the packing container by the filler material delivering means. The filler material delivering means includes a cylindrical stirring container having a lid, a sidewall and a bottom wall. The stirring container has a stirring vane positioned on the bottom wall. Air vent holes and an outlet port are provided in an upper part of the sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Namba Press Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taro Ogawa, Yasumasa Senoo, Yasuyuki Toda, Mitsuo Katayama
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Patent number: 6892768Abstract: The invention provides a diameter reducing system for reducing the diameter of a flexible container as the container is filled. The system includes a stretching devise to stretch the container at the fill level as the container is filled with a plurality of particles. The stretching device can release a stretched portion of the container substantially at the fill level as the fill level rises. The container can be a flexible, elastic bag. Shrinking of the container at the fill level as the container fills promotes supporting engagement between particles to enhance the structural integrity of the filled container and to reduce the likelihood that particles will be damaged during movement of the filled container.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Kellogg CompanyInventors: David C. Ours, Randall L. Cary
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Patent number: 6892770Abstract: A system and method for filling balloons. A reusable web holding uninflated balloons attached at the neck is loaded onto a machine for inflating balloons. This machine features a digital motion control apparatus which advances the web a precise distance. After the web advances, a supply nozzle is inserted into the neck of the uninflated balloon directly beneath the nozzle. The balloon is filled, the supply nozzle lifted, and the balloon is removed from the machine. The web is then advanced again and another balloon is filled.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Inventor: George W. Ratermann
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Patent number: 6892772Abstract: A rotating inflatable device includes a base having an outlet a top thereof and an inlet in a side of the base. A blower is received in the base and driven by a motor. A drive part is received in the base and includes a rotating rod which is driven by another motor via a speed reduction unit. A drum to which a lower opening is mounted includes an annular ring and a central part which is located at a center of the drum by a plurality of ribs connected between the annular ring and the central part. A top end of the rotating rod is co-axially connected to the central part. A central shaft composed of a plurality of sections has its a lower end connected to the central part. A top end of the central shaft extends through a top opening of the balloon and is connected to a plate which seals on the top opening of the balloon.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Inventors: Hua-Chiang Wang, Hsin-Yen Lin
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Patent number: 6884229Abstract: A method of collecting, storing and feeding breast milk is provided. The method includes engaging an adapter system with a liner or other container to selectively insert breast milk into the liner, feed the breast milk from the liner or store the breast milk in the liner.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.Inventor: Charles John Renz
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Apparatus and method to monitor the usage of a network system of personal hand sanitizing dispensers
Patent number: 6883563Abstract: Disclosed are a type of institutional or hospital network system of personal, portable hand cleaning agent dispensers and a method to record and report their specific usage by healthcare workers and patients of the institution or hospital through a dispenser control apparatus having a computer processor memory. In one form, each dispenser has an identifier unique to it and shared with no other dispenser. Each dispenser contains hand cleaning fluid agent in an amount sufficient to provide multiple shots of predetermined amount (or unit dose size) upon pressing a pad on the dispenser to dispense one shot per press. Each worker has an identifier unique to that worker.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Inventor: Judson L. Smith