Abstract: An apparatus for adding fluid to a closed system can be connected to a service port of the system. The fluid can be added to the system by actuating valves on the system and on the fluid supply. The apparatus facilitates clean addition of the fluid to the system. The system can be a climate control system.

Abstract: A method for filling a dual fluid cartridge assembly which automatically bleeds air from the cartridge to filling and without extra steps or a vacuum as in known filling methods. In particular, the process relates to providing a dual fluid cartridge assembly which includes vents that bleed air from the cartridges initially and automatically closes the vents as the piston seal moves away from the vent. By utilizing such a self-bleeding cartridge assembly, the cartridge can be filled by a fluid dispenser without the need for shims, a vacuum or bleed plugs.

Abstract: A fluid transfer adapter for use with a syringe barrel having a collar with adapter engaging structure and a distally-facing frusto-conically shaped surface is disclosed. The adapter includes a hub having a proximally-facing frusto-conically shaped surface for mating with the frusto-conically shaped surface on the barrel, structure for threadably engaging the hub to the collar of the barrel so that the frusto-conically shaped surface of the hub contacts the frusto-conically shaped surface of the barrel to prevent liquid flow between the surfaces and a fluid transfer having a passageway therethrough, connected to the distal end of the hub so that the lumen is in fluid communication with a conduit in the hub. The passageway includes a frusto-conically shaped edge that aligns with the frusto-conically shaped edge of the barrel, when the adapter is connected to the barrel, thereby reducing waste space.

Abstract: An inkjet cartridge refurbishing apparatus includes a pump assembly with a fluid intake line that can be inserted into a bottle or other reservoir of ink or flushing/cleaning material. Connected to the output of the pump assembly is a fill gun having a fill needle mounted on a handle. The fill gun is operated by inserting the fill needle into an inkjet cartridge and actuating a fill trigger switch on the fill gun. Actuating the fill trigger switch activates the pump assembly to pump ink into the cartridge. An auto-cutoff device may control the volume of fluid pumped into the cartridge.

Abstract: A fluid servicing apparatus with new and used fluid tanks for exchanging fluid with a serviceable vehicular subsystem having a fluid reservoir includes a control system with dielectric sensing capabilities to monitor the fluid level within the tanks and, based upon such fluid levels or relative changes thereto, regulate the flow of fluid between the vehicular subsystem and the tanks through selective operation of a fluid flow rate control device.

Abstract: A system for dispensing flowable materials from a package. The system basically comprises the package and a receiver apparatus. The receiver apparatus includes a hollow interior chamber, e.g., a hopper, a penetrating assembly e.g., plural blades, fixedly mounted with respect to the chamber, and an outlet. The package, e.g., a flexible package, has a handle and a hollow interior in which the flowable material is located and includes at least one wall portion, e.g., a bottom wall, arranged to be penetrated by the penetrating assembly, whereupon the flowable material is enabled to flow out of the package for ultimate dispensing out of an outlet of the chamber. The flexible package may include an outer carton.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the delivery of a liquid anesthetic agent from an anesthetic bottle to an anesthetic vaporizer. The system includes a bottle adapter, an anesthetic bottle and a filler arrangement positioned on the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter and filler arrangement each include a keyed configuration such that only the correct type of anesthetic agent can be emptied into the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter includes an adapter valve assembly that engages a filler valve assembly contained within the filler. The dimensions and arrangement of the adapter valve assembly and the filler valve assembly insure anesthetic agent is delivered to the anesthetic vaporizer only when the anesthetic agent can safely flow from the anesthetic bottle to the anesthetic vaporizer.

Abstract: A methodology and apparatus comprises integral material reservoir cylinders which contain separate material bags in which reside a component required for a formulation, or alternate material reservoir containers, typically drums, with a component required for a formulation in each drum, or a combination of both, that provides a volume of material through a supply tube into a valve that directs the material to either: 1) a dispense tube and through a dispense valve, into a receiving container that sits upon a scale, or 2) into a dispense cylinder in which resides a piston that, through the use of a piston drive plate actuator and the piston drive plate actuators' piston drive plate, directs the material through a valve and through a dispenser tube and through a dispense valve and into a receiving container that sits upon a scale.

Abstract: A hydrogen fueling station and system for hydrogen fueled vehicles that can transfer any gaseous fuel to any vehicle and can be located in any place where a vehicle can park and where environmental, safety and other regulatory requirements permit gaseous fuel to be transferred. The hydrogen fueling station is vertically elongate and includes an enclosure that has a plurality of housings to house groups of like components. The housings are configured and positively ventilated with external air to prevent the accumulation of leaked hydrogen.

Abstract: A paintball hopper refill apparatus or loading apparatus is disclosed, which includes a body, an interior, a neck and a dispensing portion where the body is made of a flexible material, the interior is designed to be filled with a plurality of paintballs and the dispensing portion is designed to be opened either by pulling a pull string or by squeezing allowing the paintballs to flow from the loading apparatus to the hopper. A method for filling a hopper using the loading apparatus of this invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding fluid to a closed system can be connected to a service port of the system. The fluid can be added to the system by actuating valves on the system and on the fluid supply. The apparatus facilitates clean addition of the fluid to the system. The system can be a climate control system.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the delivery of a liquid anesthetic agent from an anesthetic bottle to an anesthetic vaporizer. The system includes a bottle adapter, an anesthetic bottle and a filler arrangement positioned on the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter and filler arrangement each include a keyed configuration such that only the correct type of anesthetic agent can be emptied into the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter includes an adapter valve assembly that engages a filler valve assembly contained within the filler. The dimensions and arrangement of the adapter valve assembly and the filler valve assembly insure anesthetic agent is delivered to the anesthetic vaporizer only when the anesthetic agent can safely flow from the anesthetic bottle to the anesthetic vaporizer.

Abstract: A method and a device for reducing the evaporation of volatile organic compounds (VOC) when an essentially liquid petroleum product is being filled into a storage and/or transport tank (16) through a drop line (14), possibly also through a loading point (8), in which a gas or mixture of gases is supplied to the upper portion of the drop line (14) or the loading point (8) during the filling operation.

Abstract: An icing dispenser having an expandable elastic reservoir on the handle proximal end which when loaded expands a reservoir bladder under an elastic bias that tends to return the bladder to its unexpanded condition, therein uniformly impressing constant pressure on the icing within the reservoir. A reservoir neck extends from the bladder through a handle passageway to a decorator icing tip. A butterfly valve within the reservoir neck modulates an amount of icing flowing through the tip with butterfly ends angled parallel to the passageway and urged into the pliable neck at a preferred angle, slightly deforming the neck to effect a valve seal. The handle is adapted for operation in an operator's fingers as a writing instrument with icing extrusion modulated by a lever on the handle being adjusted relative to the handle by the fingers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy-to-use refill apparatus for refilling a refillable container. The refill apparatus includes a compressible container containing ink and a compression device that holds the compressible container in alignment with the container to be refilled. In use, the compression device compresses the compressible container thereby causing ink to flow from the compressible container to the refillable container. Decompression of the compressible container removes air out of the refillable container to prevent ink from leaking from the refillable container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a compressed gas into a pressure vessel, for instance, hydrogen into a vehicle fuel tank, in which hydrogen is compressed in an initial and final compressions stages which can be powered by a common source. The initial compression stage can continually operate to compress the gas in a lower pressure storage bank during the time that hydrogen is dispensed to a vehicle fuel tank. In time periods between dispensing, the gas from the lower pressure stage and from the lower pressure storage bank is compressed in the final compression stage and stored in a higher pressure storage bank. When the pressure vessel is to be filled, the compressor compresses the gas from the higher pressure storage bank to fill the vessel.

Abstract: A nozzle for draining and filling liquids has a line for used liquid and a separate line for fresh liquid. A system and a method of draining and filling a cooking apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: Device by means of which a supply container subjected to positive pressure is connected in a sealed manner to a consumer element with the aid of a sealing element, sealing in the direction of the surroundings taking place before an opening element opens the valve of the supply container. This is realized by a sealing element which, as measured in the longitudinal direction (L) from the base of the cutout, is wider than the opening element, and by an amount of play, which allows the sealing element to accommodate the full displacement.

Abstract: A dispenser (100) for diluting and dispensing a product concentrate into a container includes an actuation switch (108) and an actuator (115). The actuation switch (108) may either be manually activated in a first direction or it may be activated by pushing a container against the actuator (115) in a second direction which in turn pushes the actuation switch in the first direction to dispense a use solution. Therefore, the dispenser (100) readily accommodates any type of container.

Abstract: To sample hot liquids containing volatile materials, the liquid is cooled in a refrigerator and pumped through a syringe needle into a container until the container overflows. The needle is removed slowly and the container is automatically closed as the needle is withdrawn, wherein liquid flows upwardly continuously as the needle is withdrawn through an opening. The cap for the container includes a closure having a valve opening extending upwardly and sized to narrowly receive the syringe needle in a perpendicular valve member opening. The valve member includes a flat member on one end adapted to be gripped by a cam follower for opening and closing of the valve opening in coordination with the movement of the syringe needle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that allow more efficient volume use of a reservoir used in medical infusion devices, such as insulin pumps. The invention provides for having a full reservoir and a full tubing composite when infusion of medication into a patient begins, allowing a volume of medicine substantially equal to the volume of medication in the full reservoir to be infused into the patient.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.

Abstract: A connector device is provided that permits two separately stored ingredients to be mixed in and dispensed from the same container. The connector device includes an attachment mechanism for connecting two containers together to permit combining of separately stored ingredients and another attachment mechanism for connecting a dispenser to the container containing the combined ingredients to permit dispensing of the product directly from that container. In a preferred embodiment, a stopper is included in the neck of the first container, the second container including a device for penetrating the stopper. Also disclosed is a method of intermixing products with the connector device.

Abstract: A sealing structure of a drinking water tank. The water tank has a mouth covered with a cap. The cap has a hollow guide recessed from a center thereof, and a sealing cover receiving the hollow guide therein. The hollow guide defines an opening for water contained in the water tank to flow through, while the sealing cover has a bottom wall and sidewall extending perpendicularly from the bottom wall to seal the opening. The sidewall further has a first latching structure at the edge of the sidewall, such that the sealing cover is in friction contact with the hollow guide to provide a sealing effect. The hollow guide also has a second latching structure formed at an edge thereof to be latched with the first latching structure.

Abstract: A fluid servicing apparatus including a manifold body with a fluid transfer circuit defining a plurality of pathways between a number of ports including first and second pump ports opening into a pump cavity for receiving a pump body coupled to a motor for driving the pump body to circulate fluid in the cavity and through the fluid transfer circuit to exchange fluid between the new and used fluid tanks and a vehicle subsystem fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for filling a wine barrel is disclosed. The apparatus has a nozzle (4) connected to a hollow handle (15) where the upstream portion of the handle is connected to a hose from a wine supply. Supply of wine in the apparatus is controlled by a control button (17) on the handle (15) which opens an upstream solenoid valve. The apparatus (1) has a locating lug (6) and arm (7) on the nozzle portion to allow generally vertical location of the nozzle in a barrel bung hole. The apparatus has a non-return valve (14) to prevent wine flowing from the hose to the apparatus when the upstream solenoid valve is closed. The apparatus has a conductivity sensor (9) to cause closure of the upstream solenoid valve when the wine in the barrel reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A portable hydrogen refueling stations which can dispense gaseous hydrogen from one or more internal high pressure tanks. The refueling station can be refilled with a lower pressure hydrogen gas feed and then compressed for storage within the refueling station.

Abstract: A re-usable, portable, storage travel system for storing lotions, shampoos, creams, liquid medicines and the like for transport, particularly when traveling, in small-volume, flexible, sealable, plastic composite bags that will lay flat when not full and self-stand when partially filled and that will lay flat when not full and self-stand when partially filled. Further, the system provides adapters for transferring flowable materials from a larger container to a smaller container, particularly small-volume, flexible, sealable, plastic squeezable-tubes. Further, this invention also provides a re-usable, portable, storage travel system for storing a flowable food-grade substance such as, for example, liquor.

Abstract: Several embodiments of small volume containers for use to feed liquid to a gravity feed liquid spraying device. Each container comprises a body portion having axially spaced first and second ends, means for closing the second end of the body portion, and a first adapter attached to the first end of the body portion. The body portion, means for closing, and first adapter have inner surfaces defining a cavity in the container having a small volume. The adapter comprises an engagement portion having a through opening communicating with the cavity in the body portion, which engagement portion is adapted for liquid and air tight engagement an inlet port of the spraying device. The container includes vacuum restricting means for restricting vacuum within its cavity as liquid moves out of its cavity into a spraying device through the opening in the first adapter with the second end of the container uppermost.

Abstract: A dispenser for granular material in predetermined doses is provided, including an upper part forming a reservoir for storing the granular material, and a lower part forming a base supporting a metering device, the upper and lower parts of the dispenser being separated by a horizontal wall comprising a flow window, the metering device including a closure member that can move between an adjustable open position in which the granular material can flow through the flow window into a removable receptacle and a closed position in which the closure member closes off the flow window, the movement of the closure member between the passing position and the closed position is achieved by pulling on the receptacle, the receptacle being rendered temporarily secured to the closure member during movement between the two positions, and the movement of the closure member between the closed position and the passing position being achieved by pushing on the receptacle, the receptacle including means for forming a stop coming t

Abstract: Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.

Abstract: Mobile hydrogen generation and supply system comprising hydrogen precursor storage means for storing one or more hydrogen precursors; one or more hydrogen precursor conversion means selected from the group consisting of means for converting a hydrogen precursor into gaseous hydrogen and means for converting a hydrogen precursor into a hydrogen-containing intermediate; one or more delivery means selected from the group consisting of delivery means for offloading gaseous hydrogen and delivery means for offloading a hydrogen-containing intermediate; and mobile support means for mounting the hydrogen precursor storage means, hydrogen precursor conversion means, and one or more delivery means. The system may further comprise one or more means selected from the group consisting of means for converting gaseous hydrogen into stored hydrogen; means for containing stored hydrogen; means for converting stored hydrogen into gaseous hydrogen; and storage means for storing a hydrogen-containing intermediate.

Abstract: A pressure container (70) for storing hydrogen gas (26) under pressure for a fuel cell engine. The container (70) includes an outer support layer (12) and a thermoplastic liner (14). An adapter (18) is provided in the outer layer (12) and the liner (14) to allow fill gas (20) to fill the container (70) under pressure. A fill vessel (72) is provided within the liner (14) and is sealed and thermally coupled to the adapter (18). The fill gas (20) is confined within a gap (78) between an outer surface of the fill vessel (72) and the liner (14) so that the temperature of the liner (14) is not significantly increased during the fill process. An opening (82) is provided in the fill vessel (72) so that the fill gas (20) forces the contained gas (26) within the container (70) into the fill vessel (72) through the opening (82).

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of tubes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a positioning device that directs a tube from a hopper to a labeler where a label is applied to the tube. The positioning device further directs the tube to one of a plurality of filling stations where a continuous flow of filling material is dispensed into the tube. The tube is then directed to a capping device where a cap is applied to an end of the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and emitting a continuous stream of bubbles formed from a supply of bubble liquid directs a first airstream into a supply of bubble liquid to create a froth of bubble liquid in a chamber, directs a second airstream against the froth in the chamber to drive the froth from the chamber through an exit chimney so that a film of the driven bubble liquid froth becomes attached to the exit chimney and the second airstream directed against the attached film creates and inflates a bubble attached to the exit chimney, and directs a third airstream peripherally about the exit chimney to facilitate detachment from the exit chimney of the created and inflated bubble attached to the exit outlet and displacement of the detached bubble away from the exit outlet. A self-contained apparatus incorporates a user-operable generator for creating a primary airstream which is redistributed to form the first, second and third airstreams.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the delivery of a liquid anesthetic agent from an anesthetic bottle to an anesthetic vaporizer. The system includes a bottle adapter, an anesthetic bottle and a filler arrangement positioned on the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter and filler arrangement each include a keyed configuration such that only the correct type of anesthetic agent can be emptied into the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter includes an adapter valve assembly that engages a filler valve assembly contained within the filler. The dimensions and arrangement of the adapter valve assembly and the filler valve assembly insure anesthetic agent is delivered to the anesthetic vaporizer only when the anesthetic agent can safely flow from the anesthetic bottle to the anesthetic vaporizer.

Abstract: A water bottle refill system provided for use with a bottled water cooler having an upwardly open reservoir, receiving a supply of water from a bottle mounted over the reservoir in an inverted orientation. Such cooler and bottle are described, among others patents, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,921 and D. 339067.

Abstract: A cover assembly for use with a breast milk storage system is produced having a hollow double threaded main body and a removable sealing cap. The cover assembly cooperates with a fluid pump mechanism to enable the efficient and effective transfer of breast milk from a mother's breast to a fluid storage container. The cover assembly eliminates the need for additional cleanup and reduces the risk of spilling the breast milk, as well as the risk of contamination, during the process of storing breast milk.

Abstract: An ink cartridge refilling station incorporates a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a supply of ink and a refilling mechanism for automatically adding ink to the ink cartridge from the supply of ink. An ink cartridge, for use with the cartridge refilling station, includes a reservoir for holding a supply of ink and an input port communicating with the reservoir, the port being configured to receive ink from the automated ink refilling station.

Abstract: A servicing apparatus for exchanging fluid between a serviceable automobile component and new and used fluid tanks and including a manifold with a fluid circuit defining a plurality of pathways connecting a plurality of ports whereby fluid is directed through the fluid circuit and ports by selectively operating first and second valves and circulated using a common pump to exchange fluid, recirculate fluid, and drain both the used and new fluid tanks as desired.

Abstract: A paintball cylinder refilling apparatus for installation and use at a paintball field or tournament includes a housing, a high-pressure and a low-pressure fluid source. The housing has a paintball cylinder refill circuit that includes a high-pressure circuit adapted to refill a paintball cylinder and a low-pressure circuit that operates to open and close the high-pressure circuit. The high and low-pressure circuits are also adapted to safely vent into the atmosphere any pressurized fluid that may be resident in either circuit following the termination of a cylinder refilling operation.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring compressed gas from a supply point to a delivery point including an ejector, high and low pressure headers, and a plurality of containers that hold compressed gas and are selectively connected to the high and low pressure headers. The ejector uses energy created from the high pressure compressed gas to draw residual pressure gas out of the containers. The system and method also both preferably include a control system for controlling compressed gas flow through the system.

Abstract: A chemical loading system includes a venturi located at the top of the solution tank to reduce the fluid mass that has to be lifted into the tank. An anti-bridging nozzle at the outlet of the eductor hopper assures that material is pushed into the vacuum created by the venturi. To reduce air space in the granular material and increase pull by the venturi vacuum, fluid is directed to the material through the anti-bridging nozzle and through a rinse ring around the top of the hopper. The rinse ring, also used to rinse the hopper after loading the material and provide structural rigidity, includes a rolled edge at the top of the hopper walls with notches in the edge of the ring to provide improved placement of rinsing solution.

Abstract: A lid closure for dispensing a confection into a refreshment, such as a milk shake, in a container comprises first and second molded lid parts with the first lid part having a central opening into which the second lid part is removably inserted. A sealing layer with a circular tear line encloses the confection in an annular compartment in the first lid part and is attached to the second lid part at the center of the sealing layer. The second lid part has two pockets for engagement by the thumb and forefinger of a consumer. To dispense the confection into the refreshment, the consumer twists the second lid part to tear the sealing layer along the tear line and removes the second lid part and a portion of the sealing layer from the central opening in the first lid part.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a paint canister filling operation includes a controller for determining a total volume of paint required for a painting operation, calculating a required piston position and actuating a motor to move a piston in the interior of the canister to the required position. The controller opens a supply valve connected between the canister interior and a paint supply to fill the canister and monitors the torque applied by the motor to maintain the piston at the required position. When the torque exceeds a set point representing the torque value required to maintain the piston at the required position when the total required paint is in the canister interior, the controller closes the supply valve.

Abstract: A touchless automatic fiber optic beverage/ice dispenser (10, FIG. 1), dispenses ice and or beverages into a cup/container (26, FIG. 2), without user or cup/container touching any part of the machine, for sanitary effortless product filling activation. Any number of products may be dispensed from dispensing nozzles (16, 18, FIG. 1), in any volumes desired, allowing product mixing to customize beverages to the user's preference. Touchless automatically activated dispensing allows cup/container to be held in normal fashion to which people are currently accustomed. A filling indicator light (15, FIG. 1) illuminates during automatic filling. “On/off” mode selector (14, FIG. 1) prevents unauthorized product dispensation, and allows fast, easy machine cleaning. Resulting is a user friendly, commercially durable, sanitary touchless beverage/ice dispenser (10, FIG. 1), wherein germs and diseases are not transmitted from person to person via the machine, even during refilling.

Abstract: A dispensing machine for dispensing items from a storage container and into an object container is disclosed. The dispensing machine dispenses items such as frozen chicken nuggets or other food items which are normally cooked and sold by volume. Accordingly, the machine may be set to dispense a pre-selected portion of chicken nuggets from the input hopper. The object container is typically a deep-frying basket. Upon activating the machine, the user will not have to count the items nor will the user have to touch the items at any time, thereby reducing or eliminating opportunities for contamination of the items and consequent spread of disease or unpalatable impurities such as dirt. The machine may be fully automatic or may be hand operated. Where the items are edible items that must be refrigerated, the machine components may be contained in refrigeration unit. Access to the interior of the machine is provided through one or more doors which are designed to remain shut during operation of the machine.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a paint reservoir includes a lid, a first rigid suction tube, and a second rigid suction tube. The lid includes a cover member and a flange that extends downwardly from the periphery of the cover member. A suction opening, vent hole opening, and bypass opening extend axially through the cover member. A first tubular member is positioned in the suction opening and a second tubular member is positioned in the bypass opening. The first suction tube extends through the first tubular member. The second suction tube is coupled to and extends downwardly from the first suction tube. The second suction tube is configured to extend near the bottom surface of the paint reservoir.

Abstract: An ink cartridge refilling station incorporates a receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a supply of ink and a refilling mechanism for automatically adding ink to the ink cartridge from the supply of ink. An ink cartridge, for use with the cartridge refilling station, includes a reservoir for holding a supply of ink and an input port communicating with the reservoir, the port being configured to receive ink from the automated ink refilling station.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.