Filling Or Refilling Of Dispensers Patents (Class 141/18)
  • Patent number: 10081242
    Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle includes a first tank, a second tank, first and second valves for releasing gas, a gas passage for supplying gas to a fuel cell via the first and second valves, a pressure-reducing valve for decompressing the gas, side members disposed on the respective sides of the vehicle, and a motor disposed rearward of the second tank and configured to drive wheels. The first tank is not disposed downstream of the second tank, on the gas passage. The pressure-reducing valve is disposed in a region located rearward of a rear end of the second tank in a vehicle front-rear direction, forward of a rear end of the motor in the vehicle front-rear direction, and between one of the side members and an extended line extended in the vehicle front-rear direction from a side wall of the motor. The pressure-reducing valve is disposed on the second valve side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiji Okawachi
  • Patent number: 10069155
    Abstract: A process control system includes a storage chamber, a fuel cell in fluid communication with the storage chamber via a feed line, a suction dampening drum in fluid communication with the fuel cell via a product line, a compressor in fluid communication with the suction dampening drum and the storage chamber, a recycle line disposed between the feed line and the product line, and a pressure controller disposed in the recycle line. When the fuel cell is in an electrolysis mode, the pressure controller may be operated to maintain a minimum pressure level inside the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Joshua M. Mermelstein
  • Patent number: 10065002
    Abstract: The present application relates to a dispense interface comprising at least a first flat part tightly connected with a second flat part, wherein at least one of the at least two flat parts comprises at least one deepening configured for forming at least one part of a channel profile, wherein the at least one deepening is formed by embossing, wherein the channel profile comprises at least a first inlet channel and a second inlet channel and at least one outlet channel, wherein each of the at least two inlet channels is configured for fluid communication with a respective reservoir of at least two reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Frederic Laugere, Cristian Popa, Ben Impey, Andrew Macleod
  • Patent number: 10060421
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid pump includes a plurality of pumping elements, each of the plurality of pumping elements having an actuator portion that is associated with and configured to selectively activate one end of a pushrod in response to a command by an electronic controller, an activation portion associated with an opposite end of the pushrod, and a pumping portion associated with the activation portion. For each of the plurality of pumping elements, the pumping portion is activated for pumping a fluid by the activation portion, which activation portion is activated by the actuator portion. The electronic controller is configured to selectively activate each of the plurality of pumping elements such that a flow of fluid from the cryogenic fluid pump results from continuous activations of the plurality of pumping elements at selected dwell times between activations of successive pumping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cory A. Brown, Adrienne M. Brasche, Sunil J. Bean, Shivangini S. Hazari, Sana Mahmood, Nikhil M. Arya, Joshua W. Steffen, Daniel R. Baldwin, Dana R. Coldren, Robert M. Campion, Alan R. Stockner
  • Patent number: 10017318
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for preparing a hair coloring includes as graduated syringe and a container filled with a pigmented hair dye. The container includes an air-tight chamber and an opening, and also includes an engagement mechanism for installing the container on a rack for support. An air-tight reclosing seal at the opening allows the syringe to engage the air-tight reclosing seal, and extract the hair dye from the air-tight chamber. When the syringe is disengaged from the container, the air-tight reclosing seal closes off the air-tight chamber and permitting a known quantity of the hair dye to be withdrawn from the container into the syringe, allowing an accurate and repeatable quantity of hair dye to be dispensed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen D'Amico
  • Patent number: 9980517
    Abstract: Certain aspects of present invention relate to a top refillable e-cigarette, having movable cylindrical e-cigarette assembly, stationary top connecting assembly, and air adjustment assembly. Stationary top connecting assembly is positioned on top of air adjustment assembly. Movable cylindrical e-cigarette assembly may be slid upwards to open an e-liquid refill port against stationary top connecting assembly so e-liquid is refilled at top. Movable cylindrical electronic cigarette assembly has an e-liquid storage tank inside, and a vaporizer body support threadedly connect to a mouthpiece assembly and a sliding base. Stationary top connecting assembly defining a vapor passage in the center of the stationary top connecting assembly configured to allow vaporized e-liquid from the vaporizer to pass through to the mouthpiece assembly. A vaporizer is positioned inside the stationary top connecting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Xiaochun Zhu
  • Patent number: 9950337
    Abstract: The purpose is to provide a discharge system that adopts an optimal structure for connecting a discharging device to a refilling device in a substantially aligned fashion by moving the discharging device. A discharge system includes a discharging device, a refilling device, a discharge-side coupler, a refill-side coupler, and a manipulator. The discharge-side coupler is connectable to the refill-side coupler by relatively moving the discharge-side coupler in an axial line N direction of the refill-side coupler and fluid can be refilled from the refilling device side to the discharging device side. A coupling position between the manipulator and the discharging device reaches on the axial line N when connecting the refill-side coupler and the discharge-side coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HEISHIN LTD.
    Inventor: Yusuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9951905
    Abstract: A compressed natural gas storage and dispensing system having descending pressure bulk storage banks in fluid communication with a supply source for CNG and high pressure storage banks in fluid communication with the descending pressure bulk storage bank, both banks being in fluid communication with fuel dispensers, wherein the delivery pressure of the CNG during simultaneous refueling of CNG powered vehicles is equalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HOLYSTONE USA, LLC
    Inventor: R. Keith Barker
  • Patent number: 9919278
    Abstract: A blending system is described for preparing a blended mixture. The blending system includes a control system having at least a processor, a computer-readable memory, and a display, wherein the memory contains software configured to receive a formula defining instructions for preparing a blended mixture using one or more blending materials and amounts for the blended mixture using a scale. The blending system further includes management software stored in the computer-readable memory and executed by the control system, the software in communication with the control system to exchange information on customers and formulas for blended mixtures associated with the customers. Additionally, the control system includes software configured to calculate information associated with the one or more blending materials and the blended mixture when input is received by the control system and displays the calculated information associated with the one or more blending materials and the blended mixture on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SureTint Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Saranow, Charles C. Mayberry
  • Patent number: 9895900
    Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a resin frame, a valve and a wall member. The frame defines a portion of a liquid chamber configured to store liquid and a portion of a valve chamber in communication with the liquid chamber, the valve chamber extending in a first direction away from the liquid chamber and having one end in the first direction at which a liquid outlet is provided to provide communication between the valve chamber and an outside of the liquid cartridge, the frame having a wall portion defining a portion of the valve chamber. The valve is disposed within the valve chamber and movable in a second direction opposite the first direction, the valve having a closing part configured to open and close the liquid outlet in accordance with movement of the valve. The wall member defines the valve chamber together with the wall portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kobayashi, Akihito Ono, Naoya Okazaki
  • Patent number: 9878481
    Abstract: An extrusion head of an extruder is configured to move along a feedpath independently from a heating element so that the extrusion head can yield to extrusion-related forces. Specifically, the extruder may include an extrusion head movably coupled to a thermal core to permit axial displacement of the extrusion head relative to the thermal core. In use, the extrusion head may be displaced within the thermal core when the extruder is subject to extrusion-related forces (e.g., an upward force created by a refraction of build material or a downward force created by an advance of build material). This motion can facilitate better transitions by the extruder between different layers or z-axis positions in a model during fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: MakerBot Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Pappas, Isaac S. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9877618
    Abstract: A holder for body scrubbers or synthetic loofas, which consumers everywhere love to use while bathing and showering. Liquid soap can be added to the dispenser in the holder, and it will be distributed through the sponge, making it easier to enjoy the fragrance and feel of one's favorite liquid soap while bathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Jonathan David Kemp
  • Patent number: 9863282
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a heat engine system, a mass management system (MMS), and a method for regulating pressure in the heat engine system while generating electricity. In one embodiment, the MMS contains a tank fluidly coupled to a pump, a turbine, a heat exchanger, an offload terminal, and a working fluid contained in the tank at a storage pressure. The working fluid may be at a system pressure proximal an outlet of the heat exchanger, at a low-side pressure proximal a pump inlet, and at a high-side pressure proximal a pump outlet. The MMS contains a controller communicably coupled to a valve between the tank and the heat exchanger outlet, a valve between the tank and the pump inlet, a valve between the tank and the pump outlet, and a valve between the tank and the offload terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Echogen Power System, LLC
    Inventors: Katherine Hart, Timothy James Held
  • Patent number: 9839278
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a hair dye color mixture. The method includes: providing a control system having at least a memory, input controls, and a display; storing in the memory at least one formula, the formula including one or more colorants and/or dye blending materials, and wherein each colorant and/or blending material is separately assigned to an initial product brand; receiving input from the input controls to change a colorant and/or blending material from the initial product brand to one or more subsequent product brands, and wherein the control system recalculates components of the formula using the one or more subsequent product brands in response to receiving input from the input controls; and matching the color of the hair dye color mixture made from colorants and/or dye blending materials of the initial product brand using colorants and/or dye blending materials of the one or more subsequent product brands, in response to the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: SureTint Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Saranow, Michael Wright
  • Patent number: 9827776
    Abstract: A cartridge manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing a cartridge having a case, a chamber adapted to be filled with printing material, a supply port that leads the printing material inside the chamber to outside the case, a flexible sheet member that constitutes at least a portion of the chamber, and a biasing member that biases the sheet member in the direction that expands the capacity of the chamber. a filling port that communicates with the inside of the chamber is formed in the case, and the filling port is closed after the printing material is filled from the filling port to inside the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nakamura, Tadahiro Mizutani, Izumi Nozawa, Atsushi Kobayashi, Hidetoshi Kodama
  • Patent number: 9821564
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid cartridge for recycling includes a preparing step and a first step. The preparing step prepares the liquid cartridge for recycling. The liquid cartridge for recycling includes a liquid accommodating portion, a flowing path, a stopper, and a valve. The first step includes a first insertion step, a first valve open step, a first injection step, a first valve close step, a first removal step, and a first mounting step. The first insertion step inserts an injection member into the stopper. The first injection step injects the liquid into the liquid accommodating portion through the injection member, after the first insertion step and the first valve open step. The first removal step removes the stopper from the opening while the valve is maintained in the closed position after the first valve close step. The first mounting step mounts a new stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taichi Shirono, Noritsugu Ito
  • Patent number: 9790080
    Abstract: A distribution station includes a mobile trailer, a pump on the mobile trailer, a manifold on the mobile trailer and connected with the pump, a plurality of hoses in communication with the manifold, and a plurality of valves on the mobile trailer. Each of the valves is situated between the manifold and a respective different one of the hoses. Each of a plurality of fluid level sensors is associated with a respective different one of the hoses. The fluid level sensors are operable to detect respective different fluid levels. A controller is configured to operate the valves responsive to signals from the fluid level sensors, activate and deactivate the pump, identify whether there is a risk condition based upon at least one variable operating parameter, and deactivate the pump responsive to the risk condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Fuel Automation Station, LLC
    Inventor: Ricky Dean Shock
  • Patent number: 9790869
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a multi-fuel capable engine. In one example, a system comprises an engine having at least one cylinder controlled via an intake valve, a first fuel system to deliver liquid fuel and a second fuel system to deliver gaseous fuel to the at least one cylinder, a variable valve timing actuation system to adjust one or more of an opening or a closing timing of the intake valve, and a controller. The controller is configured to, during a liquid fuel only mode, adjust the variable valve timing actuation system to close the intake valve at a first timing based at least on engine load, and during a multi-fuel mode, adjust the variable valve timing actuation system to close the intake valve at a second timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Lloyd Flynn, Ganesha Koggu Naik, Thomas Michael Lavertu, Victor Manuel Salazar, Jeffrey David Willis
  • Patent number: 9776418
    Abstract: A cartridge manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing a cartridge having a case, a chamber adapted to filled with printing material, a supply port for leading the printing material inside the chamber to outside the case, a flexible sheet member constituting at least a portion of the chamber, and a biasing member that biases the sheet member in the direction that expands the capacity of the chamber. Pressure is made to act on the printing material, and the printing material is filled from the supply port to inside the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nakamura, Tadahiro Mizutani, Izumi Nozawa, Atsushi Kobayashi, Hidetoshi Kodama
  • Patent number: 9772068
    Abstract: A compressed gas delivery system includes a control system and at least one compressor fluidly connected to the control system for providing a compressed gas to the control system. The system also has a backpressure apparatus that is fluidly connected between the at least one compressor and the control system. The backpressure apparatus conveys a portion of the compressed gas to the control system. The compressed gas delivery system also includes a bypass conduit that is fluidly connected between the at least one compressor and the backpressure apparatus. The bypass conduit conveys a portion of the compressed gas through the flow limiting distributor directly to one or more vehicles during a dispensing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: CNG Services, LLC
    Inventor: David Joseph Mrowzinski
  • Patent number: 9770732
    Abstract: A portable, self-pressurizing sprayer or shower system includes a pressure container within a tank. Pressurized fluid, such as water from a residential water tap, is fluidly connected to the pressure container to fill and pressurize the system with the fluid. The sprayer system is then disconnected from the pressurized fluid source and transported to a remote location. A tube is then fluidly connected to the pressure container and the pressurized fluid is released through the tube to provide a portable sprayer system. A heating probe is provided that is removably secured to a second port in the pressure container. A fill kit is provided to fill the pressure container with a fluid, and then a pump is used to pressurize the system when a pressurized fluid source is unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Jackson Crawford
  • Patent number: 9765931
    Abstract: A method for filling a tank (1) with liquefied gas, in particular a tank with cryogenic liquid, from a liquefied gas container (2), in particular a cryogenic liquid container (2), wherein, following a predetermined time after filling has started, the method comprises the step of comparing the first instantaneous pressure (PT3) in the filling pipe (3) or an average of said first instantaneous pressure (PT3) with a predetermined maximum threshold (Pmax), and, when said first instantaneous pressure (PT3) in the filling pipe (3) or the average of said first instantaneous pressure (PT3), respectively, exceeds the maximum threshold (Pmax), the step of interrupting (AR) the filling (R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Olivier Beuneken, Fouad Ammouri, Sitra Colom, Marie Delclaud, Arthur Thomas, Olga Wojdas
  • Patent number: 9759381
    Abstract: A method for filling a tank (1) with liquefied gas, in particular a tank with cryogenic liquid, from a liquefied gas container (2), in particular a cryogenic liquid container (2), which container (2) is in fluid communication with the tank (1) via a filling pipe (3), wherein the method uses a pressure differential generation member (4) for transferring liquid from the container (2) to the tank (1) at a predetermined pressure, characterized in that, at or following the switching on time (M) of the pressure differential generation member (4), the method comprises a step of determining the pressure (PT4) in the tank (1) via a measurement of a first pressure in the filling pipe (3), and, following the determination of the pressure (PT4) in the tank, a step of limiting the first instantaneous pressure (PT3) to a level below a maximum pressure threshold (PT3sup), said maximum pressure threshold being defined on the basis of the determined value of the pressure (PT4) in the tank (1) and exceeding said determined val
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Olivier Beuneken, Fouad Ammouri, Sitra Colom, Marie Delclaud, Arthur Thomas, Olga Wojdas
  • Patent number: 9745211
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of sanitizing drinking water to be dispensed from a water dispenser having a reservoir includes the steps of providing the ozone gas generator that generates an ozone gas stream, transmitting the ozone gas stream from the generator to the water dispenser reservoir, mechanically breaking up the ozone gas stream inside the reservoir to produce ozone gas bubbles, and using the ozone gas bubbles to disinfect water in the reservoir. The ozone gas stream can be mechanically broken up using a pump such as, for example, an impeller type pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: S.I.P. TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Davis, James J. Shelton
  • Patent number: 9731067
    Abstract: A mechanical injection pump wearable by a user to deliver a first fluid and a second fluid, including: a pump body having a first fluid chamber to hold the first fluid and a second fluid chamber to hold the second fluid; a common connector having a first inlet, a second inlet, and a common outlet; a first fluid system including the first fluid chamber, a first button drive connected to the first fluid chamber, and first fluid delivery path between the first fluid chamber and the first inlet; and a second fluid system including the second fluid chamber, a second button drive connected to the second fluid chamber, and second fluid delivery path between the second fluid chamber and the second inlet. Force by the user on the button drive increases pressure within the fluid chamber to drive a predetermined volume of the fluid from the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob E. Pananen
  • Patent number: 9731310
    Abstract: A spray head for a spray bottle includes a spray mechanism connected to a tube that extends into the spray bottle. The spray mechanism draws fluid from a bottom of the spray bottle, through the tube, to produce a spray of the fluid. A threaded female fitting attaches to a threaded top of the spray bottle. The threaded female, when screwed on to the threaded top of the spray bottle, securely attaches the spray head to the spray bottle. A refill valve, when opened, provides a conduit to refill the spray bottle so that fluid can be poured into the spray bottle without unscrewing the threaded fitting and removing the spray head from the spray bottle. A refill valve cap, when in a shut position, closes the refill valve to prevent spilling of the liquid when the spray bottle is not being refilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen Geldard
  • Patent number: 9731594
    Abstract: A natural gas filling system for a vehicle includes a piping system defining a first flow path, a receptacle, a tank, and a cooling circuit. The piping system includes a first end and a second end. The receptacle is coupled to the first end of the piping system, and the receptacle is configured to engage a natural gas filling station. The tank is in fluid communication with the receptacle and is configured to store a natural gas supply. The cooling circuit defines a second flow path and includes an expansion valve configured to reduce a pressure of a secondary fluid flow. The second flow path is in thermal communication with the first flow path such that heat transfer from the piping system into the cooling circuit cools the natural gas flowing between the receptacle and the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventor: Grant D. Wildgrube
  • Patent number: 9694585
    Abstract: There is provided a method of filling a liquid container with liquid such that an amount of remaining air is suppressed to be as small as possible. For this purpose, while performing, on a liquid containing chamber, a primary pressure reduction, a primary injection, a secondary pressure reduction, and a secondary injection in turn, degrees of the primary pressure reduction and secondary pressure reduction are each appropriately adjusted to fill the liquid with a target amount of air remaining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Shiba, Naozumi Nabeshima, Koichi Kubo
  • Patent number: 9693838
    Abstract: The invention is related to a cartridge adaptor which comprises a first dual-barrel cartridge, a housing, an adaptor and a second dual-barrel cartridge. The first dual-barrel cartridge comprises two openings and is disposed in the housing. The housing comprises a first fastening component. The adaptor has two inlets which opposite to the two inlets. The two inlets are respectively mounted into and communicate with the two openings of the first dual-barrel cartridge. The two outlets communicate with the two inlets. The second dual-barrel cartridge comprises two openings and a second fastening component which is complementary to the first fastening component of the housing. The two openings of the second dual-barrel cartridge communicates with the two outlets of the adaptor. The invention prevents the remaining unmixed component substances from oozing out of the two inlets or the two outlets of the adaptor during the transfer process of the remaining component substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Phillip Phung-I Ho
  • Patent number: 9656796
    Abstract: A container has a bottom, a top, a lower section, an upper section, and a central axis. The upper section has a configuration with an interior surface and an exterior surface and with a central axis. A divider plate has a periphery in a configuration with a cutout. The periphery of the divider plate is coupled to the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Carl Cammarata
  • Patent number: 9638374
    Abstract: A method is provided for verifying integrity of a recirculation valve in a recirculation line of an LNG dispenser. The method includes: closing the recirculation valve and a fill valve in a supply line that supplies LNG; monitoring a mass of the LNG flowing through the recirculation line to ensure that the mass flowing therethrough is less than an acceptable threshold; and aborting any pending sales if the mass of the LNG flowing therethrough is not less than the acceptable threshold. According to another embodiment, a method is provided for verifying integrity of a vent valve in an LNG dispenser. The method includes: closing the vent valve and opening a fill valve in a supply line that supplies LNG; monitoring the pressure of the LNG within the fill hose to ensure that the pressure remains steady; and aborting any pending sales if the pressure does not remain steady.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: BPC Acquisition Company
    Inventors: Sarah Ann Lambrix, Chad Robert Paffhausen, Adam Kenneth Simon, Jonathan M Rathbun
  • Patent number: 9625099
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing the pressure of a pressurized gas is provided, the system including a pressure reduction stage, the pressure reduction stage including: a knock-out bottle; a control valve connected to a gas stream inlet and configured to introduce a gas stream at an initial pressure level into the knock-out bottle; an output connected to a gas stream outlet; and a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure within the knock-out bottle and changing the operational state of the control valve to maintain the pressure inside the knock-out bottle within a pressure range. More than one pressure reduction stage may be implemented in series to provide a more gradual step down in the gas pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
    Inventor: Denis Ding
  • Patent number: 9616172
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a controller in a fluid delivery system controls magnitudes of pressure in a first volume and a second volume. The first volume is of a known magnitude. The second volume is of an unknown magnitude and varies. The controller estimates a temperature of gas in the first volume and a temperature of gas in the second volume based on measurements of pressure in the first volume and measurements of pressure in the second volume. The controller then calculates a magnitude of the second volume based on measured pressures of the gases and estimated temperatures of gases in the first volume and the second volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ivenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse E. Ambrosina, Benjamin G. Powers, Ali Shajii
  • Patent number: 9574708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling a tank with a pressurized fuel gas, the average temperature of the gas in the tank is estimated in real time during the filling. The method includes, before the filling, determining the initial temperature of the gas in the tank, determining the initial pressure of the gas in the tank, determining the initial average temperature of the wall of the tank and determining the initial mass of gas in the tank. According to the method, during the filling, the enthalpy of the gas entering into the tank is determined as a function of time and the mass of gas injected into the tank is determined as a function of time or, respectively, the pressure in the tank is determined as a function of time. The average temperature of the gas at the time in the tank is determined in degrees K.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Fouad Ammouri, Loïc Damongeot
  • Patent number: 9567201
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body, a storage space defined within the main body, a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the storage space, a dispenser provided in the door and defining a space in which water is dispensed, a water nozzle extending downward into the space, where the water nozzle is movably mounted at the dispenser and configured to dispense water, a manipulation detection device provided at the dispenser, the manipulation detection device being configured to detect movement of the water nozzle, and a control unit configured to open and close a water supply valve connected to the water nozzle according to a detection signal generated by the manipulation detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Woonkyu Seo, Jaeyoung Kim, Daesung Lee
  • Patent number: 9528658
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tap including a body, which is provided with a gas inlet that is to be connected to the storage space of a container, a bleed-off circuit, including a downstream end, characterized in that the tap further includes a circuit for selectively controlling the movement of the isolation valve into the first position for opening the bleed-off circuit, the control circuit including a first end connected to the valve, and a second end that can be selectively coupled to an actuator of a gas bleed-off member, in order to selectively electrically control the movement of the valve into the position for opening the bleed-off circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour L'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Guillaume Roberge, Laurent Allidieres, Zsolt Zsigmond
  • Patent number: 9524605
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a method for preparing a hair dye mixture. The method includes a scale and control system in communication with each other. The control system provides for a memory and a display, wherein the memory contains a formula that defines instructions for blending a hair dye mixture. The method displays the instructions on the display. The stylist may then view the display of instructions and add colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) to a receptacle on the scale, in accordance with the instructions, using current product packaging, such that specialized packaging requirements are not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SURETINT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Saranow, Mark Baran, Michael Wright, Joe Rygiel, Danny S. Creed
  • Patent number: 9504306
    Abstract: In various embodiments, there are provided different methods of batch sizing. One method provides for the stylist having a matrix chart outlining as a percentage of or total amount of ingredients needed to create a mixture based on customer characteristics and/or service requested. In another method, batch sizing adjustment criteria includes a series of questions that provide user input. These methods enable the stylist to be capable of creating a more accurate batch sizing using the batch sizing adjustment criteria. The batch sizing of the formula may be performed by the stylist themselves or automatically done by a computer-driven system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: SURETINT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Debbie Miller, Mitchell H. Saranow, Michael Wright
  • Patent number: 9492604
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for dispensing a sanitized saline solution for rinsing the nasal passages and sinuses. The disclosure includes methods for bulk storage of granular sodium salt mixtures (pH balanced sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate), bulk storage of water, heating and sensing elements, filtering elements, and dispensing elements. The apparatus provides controls for customizing the concentration and temperature of the dispensed saline solution, and provides for dispensing the solution into a delivery device, with a water catch basin and area for drying a delivery device after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Carol Lee
  • Patent number: 9475294
    Abstract: An injection method includes closing a communication port of a cartridge by a plug unit of an injection kit, and injecting a printing material into a printing material containing chamber of the cartridge through a printing material exit by an injection unit of the injection kit after closing the communication port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Izumi Nozawa, Atsushi Kobayashi, Tadahiro Mizutani, Hidetoshi Kodama, Hiroyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9463970
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for automated intake and discharge of fluids to and from specified inclusion zones at a drilling site and related sites. A surface map is annotated with shapes designating at least inclusion zones for managed control of permitted intake and discharge of fluids tt and from permitted zones. For specified water sources, the inclusion zone is a loading zone associated with specified conditions and another inclusion zone is an unloading zone also having specified conditions. A control system in a vehicle uses the annotated map and GPS to assist the operator of the vehicle avoid restricted intake from and discharge to restricted zones and limit volumes and rates based on monitored parameters. Records are maintained to confirm the fluid, fluid location and volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Summit Liability Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Russel Lloyd Orcutt, Jason Pecht, Kyle Laturnus, Corey Kenneth McAllister
  • Patent number: 9435488
    Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen station that supplies hydrogen to an external hydrogen tank, the hydrogen station including: a reciprocating compressor that is driven by a driver of which revolution is controllable; a cooling device that is capable of cooling hydrogen supplied from the reciprocating compressor to the hydrogen tank; a temperature sensor that detects an internal temperature of the hydrogen tank or a temperature of the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank; and a control unit that controls the revolution of the driver based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nagura, Hitoshi Takagi
  • Patent number: 9415885
    Abstract: A device that has a device body defining an opening at one end thereof, a storage chamber within the device body for storing multiple doses of a substance therein, and a sliding stopper, sealing engageable with the device body, through which the chamber is filled. The stopper has a body and a flexible portion, which may be in the form of a plurality of flexible members, extending therefrom. The flexible portion or members are movable between first and second positions. In the first position, during filling, the portion or members are substantially laterally extending from the stopper body and engaging the opening of the device body. Accordingly, the axial position of the stopper with respect to the device body is secured during filling of the chamber therethrough. In the second position, after filling, the portion or members are substantially axially-extending from the stopper body and disengaged from the rim or opening of the device body. Accordingly, the stopper is axially slideable through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Dr. Py Institute LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 9352948
    Abstract: A water dispenser is provided which is capable of smoothly drawing up drinking water in a raw water container with a pump until drinking water in the raw water container is used up. The water dispenser includes a cold water tank (2) and a hot water tank (3), a container holder (5) in which a replaceable raw water container (4) can be placed, and an insertion pipe (6) adapted to be inserted through a water outlet (10) of the raw water container (4). A water receiving container (7) is mounted to a lower portion (13) of the container holder (5) and is adapted to receive drinking water. The water receiving container (7) is in communication with the cold water tank (2) through a raw water supply line (8) to which a pump (9) is mounted. The insertion pipe (6) has its bottom end disposed in the water receiving container (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA COSMO LIFE
    Inventor: Yoshinori Orita
  • Patent number: 9297577
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which includes a cabinet. A first compartment and second compartment are disposed within the cabinet. A first door provides access to the first compartment and a second door provides access to the second compartment. A beverage dispensing system is operatively connected to the cabinet. A machine vision system associated with the beverage dispensing system. The machine vision system has an imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Philip A. Anselmino, Kevin M. Chase
  • Patent number: 9227469
    Abstract: The present invention provides an air compressor having inflating and aerosol spraying functions for tires. The air compressor has an innovative actuator with an eccentric cam so that the present invention can not only perform singly inflating function for the flat tire but also perform fixing function for the rupture tire. The present invention comprises a case containing an air compressor and a tire fixing aerosol containing chemical sol therein with an actuator, which enables the present invention to shift the operation of the air compressor and tire fixing aerosol between the singly inflating and fixing functions for tire with easy manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Wen-San Jhou
  • Patent number: 9194509
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting an actuator to close a valve has a cylindrical booster housing with a central axis. The booster housing includes an upward facing piston cavity and a downward facing lower cavity with internal threads for selectively coupling with external threads of a piston head of a valve actuator. A bulkhead is formed between the piston cavity and the lower cavity. The bulkhead has an opening for selectively accepting an actuator stem of the valve actuator therethrough. A booster piston is located within the piston cavity. The booster piston has a piston mounting means located on its bottom side for selectively securing a top end of the actuator stem of the valve actuator to the booster piston. The booster piston is moveable upwards in an axial direction to move the valve from a lower open position to an upper closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Keith Adams, David Daniel Comeaux, Ben Calvin Holgate
  • Patent number: 8978935
    Abstract: A spray system for dispensing a homogenous mixture of a liquid formulation and propellant as an atomized aerosol where a disposable container containing a liquid base is used alone or secured within a rigid container and is charged through a fitting in fluid communication with the interior of the disposable container using a detachable pressurized charge can containing a propellant compatible with the liquid base. Preferably the liquid formulation is a paint base that can be tinted at the point of sale before charging with the charge can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Seymour of Sycamore, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Heatley
  • Patent number: 8973621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the sterile filling of a disposable injector with a defined dose of an injection solution, wherein the disposable injector comprises a cylinder/piston unit with a cylinder and with a piston that can be pulled back manually. The defined dose of the injection solution is stored in an interior of a container of a needle syringe held in a bored stopper. The cylinder interior is connected to the container interior in a gas-tight and liquid-tight manner through the bored stopper. The cylinder/piston unit is filled by pulling back the piston or by pressing the needle syringe piston. With the present invention, a method and a device for filling a disposable injector are developed in which, without intermediate weighing or risk of inaccurate readings, the disposable injector can be filled with a defined dose of an injection solution from a syringe with a fused-in needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Matusch
  • Publication number: 20150053305
    Abstract: A syringe fill system is described, which is useful for filling syringes for dental anesthetic applications. The system incorporates capability for “push-pull”, “pull-push”, “push-push”, and “pull-pull” modes of operation, for loading syringes with compositions comprising multiple fluid components. A syringe fillable by such syringe fill systems is described, providing haptic and audible feedback to a user, to aid in administering precise amounts of therapeutic compositions. Also disclosed are cassette assemblies for use in such syringe fill systems. Such cassette assemblies may be formed of plastic and elastomeric materials of construction, as disposable or single-use components of the syringe fill system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: INFUSION MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Davidian, Scott G. Newnam, Eli B. Nichols, Theodore J. Mosler