With Manipulation Of Flexible Or Collapsible Receiver Or Supply Patents (Class 141/114)
  • Patent number: 6626212
    Abstract: A flexible container for liquid transport made of a flexible material includes a top face portion, a bottom face portion, and a peripheral face portion connecting the top face portion and the bottom face portion. An air tight, water resistant slide fastener is openably/closably mounted to the peripheral face portion of the container. A liquid stirring port is provided at the top face portion, and a liquid injecting and ejecting port are provided at a lower end of a rear face portion of the peripheral face portion. Container suspending pieces and bottom face portion fixing pieces are mounted at the top face portion of the container and at four corners of the bottom face portion. During washing, the container can be washed reliably and efficiently while the inside of the spread out container can be visually checked by efficiently utilizing the air tight, water resistant slide fastener, liquid stirring port, liquid injecting and ejecting port, and container suspending pieces, and bottom face port fixing pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignees: YKK Corporation, Asano Transportation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koitsu Morioka, Yoshimitsu Asano, Hiromasa Asano, Tokuo Oozeki, Nobuhiro Ichikawa, Jyunichiro Kudo
  • Patent number: 6622759
    Abstract: A balloon neck fitting includes a check valve section having a peripheral housing and a peripheral flange extended radially outward from the peripheral housing for engaging with a larger balloon. The housing includes a chamber for receiving a gas supplying nozzle, and one or more extensions engaged with the neck of the balloons. Another housing is formed on top of the housing and having an outer diameter smaller than that of the housing for engaging with a neck of a smaller balloon, and for allowing the smaller balloon to be inflated and received in the larger balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: I Chiang Yang
  • Patent number: 6619338
    Abstract: A material loading skirt system for reducing contamination of material during loading. The material loading skirt system includes a tubular skirt having a narrow end and a broad end, a first elastic band is attached to the broad end of the tubular skirt, and a second elastic band is attached to the narrow end of the tubular skirt. The narrow end of the tubular skirt is snugly attachable about a loading tube and the broad end of the tubular skirt is snugly attachable about a container hatch. The tubular skirt has a tapered structure from the broad end to the narrow end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Henry C. Bonde, III
  • Publication number: 20030168119
    Abstract: A filling device of a dual-layered filling and packing device having a cotton paper device within the packing device which guides cotton paper via a guide rack to fold the paper and to fill a paper bag with fixed amount of tea leaves, by means of a roller, the paper bag with tea leaves being sealed at the edges thereof, and by means of a gripping structure, the tea bag being held to a funnel tube of the folding structure, a plurality of rollers delivered packing foil from an insertion section through space between a folding slot and the funnel tube, characterized in that the gripping structure comprises a magnetic cylinder interconnected to a Y-shaped pneumatic cylinder and the gripping section is extended with two corresponding folding board and the folding structure comprises a folding slot covered a gap outside the funnel tube, the cross-section of the funnel tube has a flat body and the folding slot is a U-shaped plate body having a top end folded outward to form the insertion section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Shui Yung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6615882
    Abstract: A filling device of a dual-layered filling and packing device having a cotton paper device within the packing device which guides cotton paper via a guide rack to fold the paper and to fill a paper bag with fixed amount of tea leaves, by means of a roller, the paper bag with tea leaves being sealed at the edges thereof, and by means of a gripping structure, the tea bag being held to a funnel tube of the folding structure, a plurality of rollers delivered packing foil from an insertion section through space between a folding slot and the funnel tube, characterized in that the gripping structure composes a magnetic cylinder interconnected to a Y-shaped pneumatic cylinder and the gripping section is extended with two corresponding folding board and the folding structure comprises a folding slot covered a gap outside the funnel tube, the cross-section of the funnel tube has a flat body and the folding slot is a U-shaped plate body having a top end folded outward to form the insertion section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Shui Yung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6612348
    Abstract: A liquid delivery system for a marine vessel or a road vehicle is provided which comprises a flexible bladder for housing a liquid, a portable pump, a protective housing for the pump, a pump switch and conduits for connecting the bladder, the pump and a container for liquid or the vessel or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Wiley
  • Publication number: 20030150512
    Abstract: A system and method for securing package contents is provided. One embodiment which secures package contents comprises a supply conveyor configured to transport at least one package having at least one deflated void-fill bag, the void-fill bag having a collar protruding through the package, an inflate nozzle configured to sealably couple with the collar such that the void-fill bag may be filled to secure contents of the package, a vision system configured to detect a target associated with the collar of the void-fill bag, and a servo-drive system configured to control a position of the inflate nozzle based upon the detected target such that the position of the inflate nozzle is adjusted to sealably couple the inflate nozzle with the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Roskam Automatic Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Mervin W. Roskam
  • Patent number: 6598374
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for filling flexible receptacles or bags with bulk or particulate material is provided. In one aspect, an automatic sand bag filling apparatus is disclosed which includes a bulk fill channel which may be placed within the interior of each bag to be filled. The filling apparatus may have a metering device for providing the desired amount of bulk material to the fill channel. The fill channel may be moveable along a fixed path for engaging and advancing a series of interconnected bags. Articulating spreader bars may be provided to support the bag during filling. In one embodiment, the filling apparatus is mounted on a trailer assembly and includes a reservoir for storing the bulk sand. The sand may be transferred from the reservoir to the filling apparatus using augers, conveyors, etc. A preferred construction of a series of interconnected sand bags and a method of making a series of interconnected bags is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ensor Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Ensor
  • Patent number: 6598626
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid moving device for use with inflatable articles. The fluid moving device includes a fluid intake port, a motor and impeller assembly, and a fluid transfer orifice that provides the fluid. The fluid moving device also includes a power switch. The fluid moving device may be provided with a hand-holdable housing. The fluid moving device may also be provided with a battery compartment sized and arranged to fit a standard size set of batteries, and a removable battery container. The removable battery container may be sized and arranged to adapt differently sized batteries to the battery compartment. The power switch may also be a self-sealing power switch that seals the intake port when the power switch is in a deactivated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Publication number: 20030136462
    Abstract: A material loading skirt system for reducing contamination of material during loading. The material loading skirt system includes a tubular skirt having a narrow end and a broad end, a first elastic band is attached to the broad end of the tubular skirt, and a second elastic band is attached to the narrow end of the tubular skirt. The narrow end of the tubular skirt is snugly attachable about a loading tube and the broad end of the tubular skirt is snugly attachable about a container hatch. The tubular skirt has a tapered structure from the broad end to the narrow end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Henry C. Bonde
  • Patent number: 6595247
    Abstract: A kit which can be ready to position in a containment fashion over a suspicious object or target. A chamber is formed having a surrounding wall with a mating top. At the lower portion of the wall a substrate engaging means is provided with lateral edges which are stabilized for securement to the surface on which the target lies while the chamber is brought into its full configuration by wall support means. At the upper portion of the top provision is made for handling sleeves and ports. Examination, sampling and decontamination can be carried out without disturbing the target while protecting the environment, evidence and people. The target can be encapsulated in the chamber by means of tightening a drawstring. This progressively brings the lower portion in the flange into and under the bottom of the contained item to thereby fully envelop the target. An explosive shield can be simultaneously employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: Jerome J. Landy, Keith E. Landy
  • Patent number: 6591874
    Abstract: A pouch for dispensing a beverage. The pouch includes a pair of opposing walls with a first half and a second half. A valve is inserted within one of the walls at the first half of the pouch. The valve is configured to be operable with a beverage dispenser. The pouch also includes various elements for hanging the pouch by its second half such that the pouch may be hung and dispense the beverage through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: William S. Credle, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030127156
    Abstract: A balloon neck fitting includes a check valve section having a peripheral housing and a peripheral flange extended radially outward from the peripheral housing for engaging with a larger balloon. The housing includes a chamber for receiving a gas supplying nozzle, and one or more extensions engaged with the neck of the balloons. Another housing is formed on top of the housing and having an outer diameter smaller than that of the housing for engaging with a neck of a smaller balloon, and for allowing the smaller balloon to be inflated and received in the larger balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: I Chiang Yang
  • Publication number: 20030127151
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for manufacturing a filled flexible pouch is provided. The apparatus includes a cylindrical cup member having an open upper end, a closed lower end and a side wall extending therebetween the upper end and lower end. An inside portion of the side wall includes a pair of opposed guide channels for receiving the flexible pouch, and the side wall includes a slot positioned adjacent guide member. The side wall includes a notched opening positioned above each of the guide channels. The apparatus also includes a pouch opening lever arm pivotally attached to the side wall of the cup member, having a lower portion below the pivotal attachment with a wheel at an outer end and an upper portion above the pivotal attachment with an outwardly extending push member at an outer end. The manufacturing process includes the steps of placing the flexible pouch into the guide channels of the cylindrical cup member, while the lever arm is pivoted outwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: R. Charles Murray
  • Patent number: 6575202
    Abstract: A disposable sterile plastic bag includes a liquid receiving chamber which can be accessed upon removal of a tear off strip for introducing therein liquids, such as breast milk. The bag also includes a closure member to close the bag once filled with milk. The bag further includes indicia thereon for indicating the volume of milk in the bag, and an extension away from the chamber so that information about the milk can be provided, e.g. by writing, on the bag without danger of piercing the bag. Once opened, the bag can be attached to an outlet port of a breast pump such that pumped milk is conveyed directly and sterilely into the bag, and the bag can then be stored in sub-ambient temperature until ready to be fed to a baby, at which time the bag is opened, the closure is cut off from the bag and the bag is installed on, and used as a liner for, a bag holder which is provided with a cap and nipple and acts as a feeding bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: BBtrésor Inc.
    Inventor: Danielle Lafond
  • Patent number: 6575207
    Abstract: An opening apparatus that opens continuously conveyed bags with a gas supplied by nozzles. A plurality of nozzles having conical head sections and discharge openings at the tip ends are attached to a rotation transmitting member with equal spaces in between, and this rotation transmitting member is caused to revolve at a constant speed while maintaining a horizontal attitude by means of a parallel link mechanism. The nozzles revolve at a constant speed on a circular track in a vertical plane along the conveying direction of bags with the discharge openings consistently facing the bags. When the nozzles are at the lower point on the circular track, the head sections enter into the bags that are being conveyed at a constant speed, and a gas is caused to jet into the bags from the discharged openings, thus spread-opening the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Iwao Ikemoto, Shoichi Koga
  • Patent number: 6561236
    Abstract: An inflatable packing article including a flexible, air tight bag; and a valve assembly defining a passage through which air is introduced into the bag during inflation, the valve assembly having an inlet end, the inlet end having an outer exposed surface with an adhesive adhered thereto and circumscribing a predefined area through which access to the passage is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Laurence B. Sperry, Eric A. Kane, Jesse S. Drake
  • Publication number: 20030079802
    Abstract: A pouch machine includes a modular feeder having feeder components mounted in a module. The pouch machine has a common socket for receiving a selected one of a plurality of feeder modules in operative position proximate a pouch filler apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: R.A.JONES & CO. INC.
    Inventor: Frank G. Oliverio
  • Patent number: 6546973
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for filling a container main body at least whose drum body is made of a flexible film, with a viscous material. A viscous material is charged by the charging means into container main bodies conveyed by the container conveying means, the drum body of the container main body is pressed by the pressing means to cause the surface of the viscous material to bulge, and the opening of the reinforcing component of the container main body is capped by the capping means, allowing the opening to be capped in an air-tight manner with a lid member while virtually all of the air inside the container main body is evacuated, and preventing air from being left over in the container main body so as to prevent hardening, curing and deterioration in the quality of the viscous material that can be caused by such remaining air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Sunstar Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Eiji Hattori, Masaaki Murase, Kiyoshi Nakayama, Osamu Yazaki
  • Patent number: 6543495
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the transfer of a fluent material to or from a container. The container has a holding portion adapted to hold the fluent material and a transfer assembly having a flexible conduit and multiple access ports. The access ports are positioned in spaced apart relationship along the flexible conduit, which has a flow channel in fluid communication with the holding portion. Each of the access ports is operable for selectively transferring fluent material. After a first access port is used to transfer a quantity of fluent material, the section of the conduit carrying the first access port is hermetically or mechanically divided from upstream sections of the conduit. Successive transfers that either dispense fluent material from the holding portion or add fluent material to the holding portion are performed in a like manner using the remaining access ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry M. Hougland
  • Publication number: 20030062094
    Abstract: A storage container for a water treatment system includes a bladder disposed in the container and having an inlet port for receiving water and having a water outlet. The container may be used for preventing the bladder from being over-inflated or exploded. A switch may be disposed above or below the bladder for detecting whether the bladder has been filled with water or not and for controlling the water to flow into the bladder. The container includes two openable housings for allowing the bladder to be removed or changed or cleaned when the housings are opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Sheng Chi Chiang, Yao Chin Chang
  • Patent number: 6539985
    Abstract: Ink is filled in an ink cartridge having a housing communicating with ambient air through an air communicating hole, a porous member impregnating with ink, an ink supply port, and a valve device including a valve body always urged by a spring and a valve seat abutting against the valve body, and ink is filled in the housing of the ink cartridge through the ink supply port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Shinada, Yuichi Nakamura, Hisashi Koike, Yukiharu Suda
  • Publication number: 20030047234
    Abstract: A processing solution container package system includes a frame that supports the containers of the package system and allows each of the containers to collapse while avoiding a trapping of solution within the containers. The frame comprises first and second members that include interlocking sections to permit each of the members to be accommodated on the surface of the containers and interlocked to each other. The frame includes curved sections to support a valve neck of each of the containers in an extended non-collapsed position. This helps in the assembly of the containers, and further prevents the valve necks of the containers from collapsing back towards the top surface of the containers while the containers are being filled with solution. Also, the frame that supports the containers prevents damage to the containers if the containers are accidentally dropped. In a further feature of the invention, the containers have a crown shaped surface which corresponds to a curved surface of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Kevin H. Blakely, Craig S. Lefevre
  • Publication number: 20030019539
    Abstract: A container for product storage including an expandable portion is provided to eliminate space between the container and the product to prolong the remaining products usable life within the container after opening. The invention includes a storage container (30) that has a cover (32) and product (34) within its interior. An inflatable bladder (36) is disposed within the storage container and a tube (38) penetrates through the container and is connected to the bladder. A valve (48) is attached to the tube's distal end and a pressure source, which could include heat or cooling, is connectable to the valve. The combination of the valve and the pressure source supplies the required pressure to inflate the bladder (36) which occupies the space between the product within the storage container (30) and the cover (32) thereby precluding ambient atmospheric contact with the product. A releasable pressure valve (66) is provided to discharge pressure created within the container when the bladder is inflated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Rick L. Hornwood
  • Publication number: 20030019541
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling sacks with a predetermined quantity of product. The apparatus comprises at least one mobile sack feed and filling unit which carries each sack along the process line and at the same time fills the product into it. In the method according to the invention, the empty sacks are fed at the same speed as the mobile filling unit before they are transferred to the mobile filling unit itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Francesco Bassi
  • Patent number: 6505655
    Abstract: A processing solution container package system includes a frame that supports the containers of the package system and allows each of the containers to collapse while avoiding a trapping of solution within the containers. The frame comprises first and second members that include interlocking sections to permit each of the members to be accommodated on the surface of the containers and interlocked to each other. The frame includes curved sections to support a valve neck of each of the containers in an extended non-collapsed position. This helps in the assembly of the containers, and further prevents the valve necks of the containers from collapsing back towards the top surface of the containers while the containers are being filled with solution. Also, the frame that supports the containers prevents damage to the containers if the containers are accidentally dropped. In a further feature of the invention, the containers have a crown shaped surface which corresponds to a curved surface of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Kevin H. Blakely, Craig S. Lefevre
  • Patent number: 6505657
    Abstract: A liner system for a container is provided which includes a body, a neck, and a valve. The body is adapted to substantially conform to an inner surface of the container. The neck has a first end attached to the body and a second end adapted to conform to a shape of an opening of the container. The valve is adapted for fluid communication between an interior surface and an exterior surface of at least one of the body and neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Freedom Packaging Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jon G. Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20030005975
    Abstract: The self funnel drink additive product has two surfaces connected at a perimeter to enclose a volume which contains drink additive, the volume being substantially flat for storage, and has a narrow neck portion of the perimeter, so that the drink additive is funneled through the narrow neck into a vessel opening when the perimeter is opened along an optimal cut line at the narrow neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Carol Olsen
  • Publication number: 20020195166
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for filling a container main body at least whose drum body is made of a flexible film, with a viscous material. A viscous material is charged by the charging means into container main bodies conveyed by the container conveying means, the drum body of the container main body is pressed by the pressing means to cause the surface of the viscous material to bulge, and the opening of the reinforcing component of the container main body is capped by the capping means, allowing the opening to be capped in an air-tight manner with a lid member while virtually all of the air inside the container main body is evacuated, and preventing air from being left over in the container main body so as to prevent hardening, curing and deterioration in the quality of the viscous material that can be caused by such remaining air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: SUN STAR ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Eiji Hattori, Masaaki Murase, Kiyoshi Nakayama, Osamu Yazaki
  • Patent number: 6478057
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively inflating multiple balloons simultaneously, sequentially, or in random order include a housing for storing pneumatic and electrical control devices and gas conduits. Ports are formed through the housing and each having a nozzle secured thereon. One end of one gas conduit is connected to an external source of pressurized gas and another end is in communication with the ports. An actuator is associated with each port for selectively actuating the delivery of pressurized gas to the associated nozzle manually or automatically. Each port may be automatically closed when predetermined parameters are met in the automatic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher L. Bearss, Yakov Rozenberg
  • Patent number: 6474373
    Abstract: An inflatable device with a liquid-powered air pump includes a pump housing a liquid chamber and an air chamber, each having an input port and an output port. A turbine axle extends between the liquid chamber and the air chamber. The end of the turbine axle, residing in the liquid chamber, includes a number of liquid turbine blades while the end of the turbine axle, residing in the air chamber, includes a number of air turbine blades. A nozzle, which is preferably adjustable, is connected to the input port to the liquid chamber. Introduction of liquid into the liquid input port turns the liquid turbine blades and thus the air turbine blades via the axle. Air is drawn from the air input port and forced through the air output port. The pump assembly may be connected to or integrated with an inflatable device to simultaneously fill a liquid container and a separate air bladder of the inflatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Item New Product Development
    Inventor: Joseph P. Sejnowski
  • Patent number: 6463968
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for filling a container main body at least whose drum body is made of a flexible film, with a viscous material. A viscous material is charged by the charging means into container main bodies conveyed by the container conveying means, the drum body of the container main body is pressed by the pressing means to cause the surface of the viscous material to bulge, and the opening of the reinforcing component of the container main body is capped by the capping means, allowing the opening to be capped in an air-tight manner with a lid member while virtually all of the air inside the container main body is evacuated, and preventing air from being left over in the container main body so as to prevent hardening, curing and deterioration in the quality of the viscous material that can be caused by such remaining air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sunstar Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Eiji Hattori, Masaaki Murase, Kiyoshi Nakayama, Osamu Yazaki
  • Publication number: 20020139441
    Abstract: A device for filling an ink cartridge, particularly a refilling device for filling ink cartridges of ink-jet systems, such as printers and plotters, or other automatic registering, writing or drawing apparatus, includes a refilling container and an ink cartridge connected through an adaptor and arranged essentially one above the other in the filling position. The adaptor has at least two connections for the refilling container and the cartridge to be connected. A separate ink reservoir is arranged in the ink cartridge, wherein the ink reservoir of the ink cartridge and/or the filling container of the refilling container includes an easily deformable bag, and wherein the reservoir bag and/or container bag are of a flexible, elastic material. A hermetically sealed cartridge space is formed between the cartridge housing and the separate ink reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Volker Schonfelder, Gunther Tandler, Thomas Bothe
  • Publication number: 20020139177
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the liquid retention of absorbent articles (20) of the kind that includes an absorbent body having a top side which lies proximal to the wearer's skin when the article is worn, and a bottom side which is covered by a liquid-impermeable backing sheet, wherein the method comprises the steps of applying a determined amount of liquid to a region on the top side of the article, urging a pressure body (1) against a region of the top side of the article with a given force, and collecting and measuring the amount of liquid pressed out from the top side of the article. According to the invention, the force with which the pressure body (1) is pressed against the top side of the article, is set selectively on a device (2-4) for pressing the pressure body against the top side of the article (20), and the liquid pressed from the top side of the article is transported to a measuring vessel (15) with the aid of sub-pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Karin Lindmark, Christina Steger, Johan Granath, Berith Porso
  • Publication number: 20020129868
    Abstract: An opening apparatus that opens continuously conveyed bags with a gas supplied by nozzles. A plurality of nozzles having conical head sections and discharge openings at the tip ends are attached to a rotation transmitting member with equal spaces in between, and this rotation transmitting member is caused to revolve at a constant speed while maintaining a horizontal attitude by means of a parallel link mechanism. The nozzles revolve at a constant speed on a circular track in a vertical plane along the conveying direction of bags with the discharge openings consistently facing the bags. When the nozzles are at the lower point on the circular track, the head sections enter into the bags that are being conveyed at a constant speed, and a gas is caused to jet into the bags from the discharged openings, thus spread-opening the bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: TOYO JIDOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Iwao Ikemoto, Shoichi Koga
  • Patent number: 6450215
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling bags achieves a substantially uniform fill level in bags. The apparatus includes a bag support that exerts pressure on the bags during filling of the bag such that the level of filling media among the bag is more evenly distributed. The apparatus and method also reliably maintain a sterile region during filling of bags by pressurizing the region before beginning bag filling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Charter Medical, Ltd.
    Inventors: Benjamin K. Willemstyn, Benjamin T. Holcombe
  • Patent number: 6446684
    Abstract: A bag opening apparatus and method for use in a bag filling and packaging machine using flat bags allow a bag to move to a subsequent step while being surely maintained in the state of having been opened. At a mouth opening step, the mouth portion of a bag is opened by using suction cups serving as a mouth opening device. Next, an abutting member of a bag bottom deforming device is moved upward to abut on the bottom of the bag, thereby deforming at least a part of the bottom inward of the bag, while restraining movement of a lower portion of the bag with retaining plates of a bag movement restraining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Sumio Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20020074056
    Abstract: The self funnel drink additive pack has two surfaces connected at a perimeter to enclose a volume which contains drink additive, the volume being substantially flat for storage; and has an acute angle portion of the perimeter, so that the drink additive is funneled through the acute angle portion into a vessel opening when the perimeter is opened along an optimal cut line at the acute angle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Carol A. Olsen
  • Patent number: 6401975
    Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus is provided that includes a pressure tube and a first cap assembly having a control system, with the first cap assembly coupled to a first end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat. The apparatus also includes a second cap assembly coupled to a second end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat, with the second cap assembly supporting a fluid container that is housed in the interior space of the pressure tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Hydrus, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar Diaz, Douglas Patton, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 6399079
    Abstract: A spill-resistant pharmaceutical formulation for oral administration from a squeezable container comprises a pharmaceutical agent in a suitable vehicle comprising a liquid base and a thickening agent, the formulation consisting of mutually compatible components and having the following properties: a viscosity within the range of about 7500 to about 12,500 cps using a Brookfield Viscometer with a ‘C’ spindle with Helipath movement at a spindle speed of 10 rpm and 20-25° C., a viscometric yield value of a semi-solid, a spill-resistant consistency permitting the composition to be squeezed by light manual pressure through a channel, to spread in a spoon bowl sufficiently quickly for accurate measurement, and to remain in the spoon bowl without spilling on spoon inversion, tilting at 90 degrees, and vibration, homogeneity such that the components do not separate under conditions of use, and a storage stability such that the foregoing properties are retained for at least two years shelf life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Rakesh Mehta, Dan Moros
  • Patent number: 6386247
    Abstract: A valve for a dunnage bag including an inner part having a flange that is laminated to the inside surface of the bag and an outer part having a flange that is laminated to the outside surface of the bag providing that the bag can be inflated/deflated by air passing through both parts and a hole in the bag. The outerpart is a bowl which is stretched away from the bag when the bag is being inflated and which collapses against opening in the inner part to seal the bag and prevent air loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: Helmut Richard Elze, Olaf Dietrich Elze, Mark J Caires
  • Patent number: 6382265
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for filling a double-wall receptacle, more particularly a double-wall tube. For this purpose the tube features an inner and outer chamber which are filled at an open axial end of the tube with a solid, fluid or pasty bulk mass. During filling the inner wall and/or the outer wall is deformed at least in the portion of the open axial end of the tube at at least one point transversely to the axial direction so that the distance between the inner wall and the outer wall at at least one location of the circumferential portion of the outer chamber is larger than in the original non-deformed circumferential portion. Accordingly a filler nozzle is inserted into the outer chamber at the location of the enlarged distance between inner wall and outer wall, the outer diameter of the filler nozzle being larger than the distance between said inner wall and outer wall in the original non-deformed circumferential portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Weckerle
  • Publication number: 20020050304
    Abstract: A bag opening apparatus and method for use in a bag filling and packaging machine using flat bags allow a bag to move to a subsequent step while being surely maintained in the state of having been opened. At a mouth opening step, the mouth portion of a bag is opened by using suction cups serving as a mouth opening device. Next, an abutting member of a bag bottom deforming device is moved upward to abut on the bottom of the bag, thereby deforming at least a part of the bottom inward of the bag, while restraining movement of a lower portion of the bag with retaining plates of a bag movement restraining device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: TOYO JIDOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Hiramoto, Sumio Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6378657
    Abstract: Fluid changing in an automatic transmission by opening the cooler line and draining used fluid, at the flow of normal circulation, out of the cooler line from the transmission into a drain receptacle for receiving used fluid and simultaneously supplying fresh fluid, from a pressurized supply receptacle into the cooler return line to the transmission at a similar controlled rate that is equal or greater than the rate of flow of the used fluid into the drain receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: James P. Viken
  • Patent number: 6378573
    Abstract: A removing device for liquid in a flexible packing by means of which an unintentional escape of liquid and the ingress of air, dirt and microorganisms in the product accommodated in said packing can be prevented reliably and permanently. In order to achieve this, the removing device according to the present invention is provided with a tubular straw element including the inlet of the removing device and with a closure element associated with the outlet. The flexible packing according to the present invention, which is used for accommodating a liquid, is provided with an insertion area for inserting a removing device, said insertion area being defined by an opening formed in the envelope of said flexible packing and closed by a foil in the initial state, said foil being of such a nature that it will sealingly wrap itself around the introduced removing device thus forming a tentlike shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Erhard Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6378577
    Abstract: Provided is a carrier convertible from a sling supported vessel to a material handler for filling portable receptacles such as bags from a bulk lot of material. The front end of this unit is a scoop for gathering fluent material. Over top the scoop is a hood that prevents spill out of any material when the unit is raised into an upright position. The hood terminates at a projection that defines a hand grip. The scoop tapers into a flue. This tapering permits multiple units to nest into one another for storage purposes. The flue ends at an opening and the opening is sized so that an industry-specific standard bag fits over the opening. The length of the flue is dimensioned so that upon the bag being placed over the flue a hand can grasp both the carrier and bag easily at the projection. When grasped, the bag is tightened and secured to the carrier by the grasping hand. Other bags of different sizes can be accommodated by either gathering any slack with the gripping hand or making different size units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventors: Matthew Hain Piner, James Earl Schiller, Stefan Norman Smyle, Jeremy L. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 6374874
    Abstract: A sand bag loading system comprises a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly has legs with a connecting member provided there between. The connecting member has first and second ends. A loading tube assembly is provided. The loading tube assembly has a loading tube and a hopper. The loading tube is in a hollow cylindrical configuration with upper and lower sides and first and second ends. The loading tube has an aperture in a rectangular configuration. The hopper is of a rigid metallic material. The hopper has two diverging rectangular sections, coupled to the aperture sides. Two V-shaped sections are coupled to the aperture ends. A bracket hinge assembly is provided. The bracket hinge assembly has upper and lower portions. The upper portion is coupled to the tube. The lower portion is coupled to the connecting member. A pivotal pin is provided between the upper and lower portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Robert W. Payne
  • Patent number: 6374876
    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: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Deltec, Inc.
    Inventor: Gail Bynum
  • Publication number: 20020040739
    Abstract: Leaktight confinement appliance (1), intended to cooperate at least with one independent receptacle (3) containing a substance (4), having its own means (8) for transfer into and/or out of the said receptacle, and with at least one independent means (71) for delivery of a material, the said appliance comprising a handling chamber (2), defined by a wall (13) of flexible material substantially leaktight with respect to the external environment, arranged to connect at least the transfer means (8) of the receptacle (3) to the delivery means (71), inside the handling chamber (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Becton Dickinson France, S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Laurent, Jean-Pierre Grimard
  • Patent number: RE38020
    Abstract: An adjustable anchor wing is provided for an agricultural bagging machine which not only acts as an anchor against premature movement of the machine as the bag is being filled, but also controls the density of the material being packed in an agricultural bag. The adjustable wing is supported by a pair of longitudinally movable cables with the cables being connected to the wing to enable the wing to be moved from a fully retracted position to a fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Versa Corporation
    Inventor: Steven R. Cullen