Filling Or Refilling Of Dispensers Patents (Class 141/18)
  • Patent number: 8122917
    Abstract: A foam transfer device is described, for use with aerosol canister apparatus for producing a sclerosant foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins. The device enables diversion of an initial quantity of below-specification foam from the canister to waste, e.g. to an integral waste chamber, before dispensing a further quantity of foam for use in treatment. The switching of the flow from the waste chamber to a different outlet for use is accomplished without interrupting the flow from the aerosol canister since this would cause the foam to drop below specification again. The waste chamber may be transparent so that the foam entering it can be observed and a decision made by a user when to stop diverting foam to waste. Alternatively, the foam may be diverted automatically e.g. when a set time has elapsed or a set volume of foam dispensed. The foam for use is normally dispensed into a syringe for subsequent injection into a varicose vein of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: BTG International Limited
    Inventors: Anthony David Harman, David Dakin Iowerth Wright, Jam Wilem Marinus Mijers, Stuart Brian William Kay, Christopher John Hurlstone, Julina Richard Dixon, Andrew Gordon Pocock, Brendan Hogan
  • Publication number: 20120042986
    Abstract: An inkjet printer cartridge refilling system is described. The system may include a plurality of fixtures or adapters that are configured to hold inkjet printer cartridges. The adapters allow a variety of different configurations of inkjet printer cartridges to be refilled and cleaned by mating the cartridges to universal stations on the refilling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Retail Inkjet Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Guhse, Herb Sarnoff, Keith Emery, George N. Popa
  • Patent number: 8118066
    Abstract: System for replenishing washing or cleaning agents, comprising a spout placeable on the opening of a bottle and having a first collar with a fastener for fastening the spout to a bottle, a second collar with a fastener for fastening a closure and/or metering cap on the spout, a wall extending from the first collar or second collar, a funnel, and an adapter element connectable to the pouring opening of a replenishing container and that comprises a cylinder element and a peripheral collar, a membrane for closing the replenishing container and preventing leakage of washing or cleaning agents out of the replenishing container, wherein the cylinder element of the adapter element has a guide groove configured such that the cylinder element can be detachably placed over the funnel and the web of the spout, whereby the positioning of the adapter element relative to the spout is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Mühlhausen, Kamel Rahal, Wolfgang Barthel
  • Patent number: 8109251
    Abstract: A gas phase of LPG such as propane is used to power a small internal combustion engine driving or powering a preselected device such as a powered lawnmower, weed whacker, string trimmer, leaf blower or the like and the fuel system is provided with heating arrangements that insure the gas phase of the LPG is discharged from the LPG tank for all operating conditions of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Bernardo J. Herzer, David Kostka
  • Publication number: 20120018031
    Abstract: The grommet used for sealing the charging opening in a pressurized dispensing container is designed so that it can be held in a venting state prior to the charging of the propellant chamber. The design involves an annular ridge above the neck of the grommet and an annular groove above the annular ridge. In that fashion, the grommet can be held loosely on the opening in the base of the container. Flats or cutaways on the crown and groove assure passageway between the propellant chamber and the outside so that air can be taken in and expelled from the propellant chamber during the product loading stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Christian T. Scheindel
  • Publication number: 20120000569
    Abstract: A reservoir filling aid for a reservoir of a medical infusion pump is disclosed. The reservoir filling aid comprises a main body for supporting the reservoir during the filling of the reservoir with a medical serum and a supply vial adapter end positioned at a first end of the main body. The supply vial adapter end comprises a plurality of flexible tabs extending from the supply vial adapter end for interfacing with a supply vial containing the medical serum and a shaped ring for housing the plurality of flexible tabs and the supply vial while in a closed configuration to establish a fluid connection between the supply vial and the reservoir. The interior of the supply vial adapter end may also have a spiral track for additional security. A removable adapter may be fitted on the top of small supply vials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher D. Wiegel
  • Publication number: 20110308665
    Abstract: Bone cement mixing and delivery devices and methods of using the devices are provided. The bone cement mixing and delivery devices and methods comprise a container having a bottom opening that can be sealed by a spacer in a syringe where movement of the plunger of the syringe moves the spacer away from the bottom opening in the container to dispense bone cement into the syringe. In some embodiments, the devices and methods increases efficiency and reduce the mess associated with transferring the bone cement to the syringe for delivery to a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. McKay
  • Publication number: 20110272136
    Abstract: Corrosion management systems protecting against or managing corrosion of various components in generally vertically oriented structures, that can be located one or more of aboveground and underground. The corrosion management system includes a dispenser system that dispenses at least one corrosion inhibitor to the structure desired to be protected at a plurality of different vertical heights. Methods for utilizing corrosion management systems and protecting structures therewith are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Efim Ya Lyublinski, Yefim Vaks
  • Patent number: 8042581
    Abstract: A powder dispenser comprising a powder container having an opening in a lower end thereof, a powder receptacle having a flange, and a flow control assembly having pivotable flow control arms biased against each other, pivotable activation arms biased towards each other, and connecting members for connecting the flow control arms to the activation arms for concomitant movement, wherein the receptacle flange is operable to engage the activation arms to pivot the activation arms away from each other and thereby pivot the flow control arms away from each other so that powder is allowed to flow through the flow control assembly into the receptacle. The dispenser may further comprise an agitator that is operable to agitate the powder in the container when the flow control arms are pivoting towards or away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventors: Scott David Green, Joseph Michael Wyatt
  • Patent number: 8037908
    Abstract: A slide valve system for a powder or liquid reservoir bottle which closes the reservoir bottle and allows the reservoir bottle to be tipped away from a subjacent dispensing bottle fed by the reservoir bottle. Once the reservoir bottle is tipped away the slide valve can be opened and the reservoir bottle filled. The reservoir bottle can then be closed by the slide valve and tipped back onto the dispensing bottle. Once on top of the dispensing bottle the valve can be opened and the contents of the reservoir bottle can enter the dispensing bottle by gravity flow. The slide valve must be closed in order to rotate the reservoir bottle away from the dispensing bottle. Likewise, the reservoir bottle must be locked in a vertical position with the reservoir bottle over the dispensing bottle in order to open the slide valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventors: Scott David Green, Joseph Michael Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20110247722
    Abstract: An anesthetic cartridge is adapted to receive a volume of buffer by displacing a plunger in one end of the anesthetic cartridge inwardly so that addition of the buffer volume will not displace the plunger excessively beyond the end of the cartridge body. By properly determining the amount of buffer volume required to raise the pH of the anesthetic to a target value, the degree of inward displacement of the plunger can be determined and the cartridge can be used with a system for delivering a precise amount of buffer solution having a known pH into the cartridge to raise its pH, just before the anesthetic is delivered to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Onpharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Stepovich, Michael I. Falkel
  • Publication number: 20110240175
    Abstract: Described herein are containers having a bottom portion, a bottom sifter, a dial sifter, and a removable cover having pins. A bottom sifter and a dial sifter are rotatably engaged, and both have at least one sifting hole for sifting materials with a powder-like consistency. Either the surface of the bottom sifter facing the dial sifter or the surface of the dial sifter facing the bottom sifter may have at least one raised portion, and the remaining surface may have at least one recessed depression. The dial sifter may have one or more cavities to engage the pins in the cover, thereby rotating the dial with the rotation of the cover. The dial sifter may be a bottom fill sifter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: HCT Asia Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy Thorpe, Luis Alviar
  • Publication number: 20110240174
    Abstract: Apparatus for recovering pieces of paste made of active matter for plates of lead accumulators, which comprises:—a first conveyor belt wound in a loop on rollers, equipped with a first horizontal section, adapted to receive the pieces from a spreading machine, and with a first vertical section arranged to continue the first horizontal section;—a second conveyor belt wound in a loop on rollers, equipped with a second horizontal section, adapted to transfer the pieces to the hopper of the spreading machine and with a second substantially vertical section arranged to continue the second horizontal section. The two vertical sections of the two conveyor belts are arranged one on the other counterfaced to each other, parallel to hold and transport the pieces interposed therebetween and coming from the first horizontal section of the first conveyor belt and are transferred to the second horizontal section of the second conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: SOVEMA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Pietro FARINA
  • Patent number: 8020566
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a metered amount of liquid into a porous plug includes a casing which has an inlet passage adapted to receive a manually insertable porous plug. A reservoir disposed in the cavity contains the liquid. The reservoir has an outlet which is communicable with the inlet passage. A discharge mechanism disposed in the casing is actuable in response to the insertion of a porous plug into the inlet passage for producing a pressurized air flow which bears against a piston in the reservoir for discharging a metered amount of the liquid from the reservoir into the porous plug. The plug could constitute a filter attached to a tobacco column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios D. Karles, Michael Braunshteyn, Kenneth Newman
  • Patent number: 8016001
    Abstract: A painting material charging device may comprise a cartridge attaching unit, a painting material supplying path, a first switching unit, a painting material supplying unit, a discharging path, a second switching unit, a painting material sensor and a controlling unit. The controlling unit may be configured to be connected to the painting material sensor and the second switching unit. The controlling unit may be configured to cause the second switching unit to fully close the discharging path in a case where the painting material sensor detects the painting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Trinity Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Isamu Yamasaki, Takanobu Mori, Shinichi Nakane, Noriyuki Achiwa, Kohta Harada
  • Publication number: 20110214777
    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: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Rudolf Matusch
  • Patent number: 7992599
    Abstract: An apparatus for fueling a fuel-cell-powered device having a profile and a fuel inlet. The apparatus comprises at least one fuel port having an outlet and at least one adaptor associated with the fuel port. The adaptor is configured to receive the fuel-cell-powered device. Means for releasably and sealingly engaging the fuel inlet of the fuel-cell-powered device to the outlet of the fuel port are also provided. The outlet of the fuel port is operative to dispense fuel when it is in sealed engagement with the fuel inlet of the fuel-cell-powered device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Angstrom Power Incorporated
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Iaconis, Joerg Zimmermann, Duhane Lam
  • Patent number: 7975729
    Abstract: An in-structure air delivery system comprises a control panel and a plurality of air delivery lines. The control panel is located at a first location in the structure and has an air supply inlet. Each air delivery line extends from the control panel to a different location in the structure. Valves are configured to selectively control the flow of air through each of the air delivery lines. In a method of use, a high pressure air supply such as a portable compressor is connected to the inlet of the system. Air is selectively delivered to one or more of the delivery lines. A control unit is connected to the outlet of the delivery line. Air is supplied to the control unit. The control unit is used to regulate the flow of air to a component of breathing equipment, such as to a firefighter's breathing equipment air cylinder to be re-filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Richard W. Lisle
  • Patent number: 7967940
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a water bottle mounting supplier. The method includes the steps of: a) integrally forming a water bottle mounting unit, a water supply pipe, and a supporting rod using a top and bottom mold, where the water bottle mounting unit is formed in a funnel shape for supporting the water bottle, the water supply pipe is projected from a bottom center of the water bottle mounting unit toward a top, and an inlet formed at a side of the top for supplying water downwardly, and the supporting rod projected from an upper center of the water supply pipe toward a top; and b) connecting a stopper fixing unit to the supporting rod, where the stopper fixing unit is formed in a semicircle shape and includes a through-hole formed at a center in a vertical direction to receive the supporting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Clover Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Mu Moon, Hyung Min Park
  • Publication number: 20110146836
    Abstract: A system comprises a piston setting device and a cartridge comprising a piston and a cartridge chamber which can be filled by a filling mass. The cartridge chamber further comprises a closeable outlet opening for the discharge of the filling mass whereby the filling mass is storable in said cartridge chamber when the outlet opening is closed and the piston is inserted into the cartridge chamber. The piston comprises a first piston part which rests in sealed manner against the cartridge wall and a second piston part, which forms venting valve comprising a valve plug together with the first piston part, wherein said valve plug opens when a pressure is exerted on the side of the piston opposite to the filling mass by a piston setting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Hayden Turner
  • Patent number: 7951739
    Abstract: An improved spent catalyst regenerator which contains sub-troughs branching off from the main trough, distribution troughs which extend outward from the sides of the main trough and the sub-troughs, and downflow tubes extending downward from the bottom of the main trough and sub-troughs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Process Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Santner, Eusebius Gbordzoe, Harvey McQuiston
  • Patent number: 7950423
    Abstract: Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: MannKind Corporation
    Inventors: Trent A. Poole, David F. Bonneau, Per B. Fog
  • Publication number: 20110108158
    Abstract: A device, kit, and method for transferring a liquid medicament from a supply container to a flexible reservoir container are disclosed. The device may comprise a compartment unit and an adapter unit. The compartment unit may have a sealingly closable chamber, arranged for housing the flexible reservoir container and for being fluidly connected with a pump mechanism. The adapter unit may have at least one transfer passage for transferring liquid from a supply container connected to the adapter unit to the flexible reservoir container, and a separator arranged in the transfer passage for separating gas bubbles from a liquid streaming through the transfer passage. The separator may be fluidly connected to the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Christoph Huwiler, Florian Kuehni, Gerald Studer, Martin Wyss, Ulrich Haueter, David Teutsch
  • Patent number: 7938151
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preventing overfilling of a plurality of fuel tanks (8) at a gasoline station, in the event that fuel tanks are filled simultaneously by multi-chamber tank vehicles (7). The fuel tanks (8) are equipped with filling level threshold indicators (3) linked to a transmitter (1) for wireless transmission of a signal. A receiver (2) mounted in the tank vehicle (7) is provided to control one or several tank valves. In order to ensure safe closure of the tank valves, the filling level threshold indicators (3) of the fuel tanks (8) at the gasoline station are connected each to a signal line (5) leading to a common interface (4). Only one transmitter (1) along with an interrogation control device is provided for connecting to said interface (4) and cooperates with the receiver (2) mounted in the tank vehicle (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Security & Electronic Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Dagmar Höckner
  • Publication number: 20110100501
    Abstract: A medicine mixing device includes a pedestal, a main rotating-base, a sub rotating-base, and a control unit. The pedestal is used to place medicine containers thereon. The main rotating-base includes a holding portion and a main rotating shaft, and rotates around the main rotating shaft. The holding portion holds a syringe for sucking a medicine at its center on its vertical plane. The main rotating shaft is orthogonal to the vertical plane. The sub rotating-base is disposed close to a part of the circumference of the main-rotating base and rotates relatively with respect to the main rotating-base. The sub rotating-base includes a fixing unit and a sub rotating shaft parallel to the main rotating shaft. The fixing unit fixes thereto one medicine container selected from the medicine containers on the pedestal. The control unit controls a medicine to be sucked out of the medicine container into the syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Osamu Mizuno, Akinobu Okuda, Tohru Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20110100503
    Abstract: A dispensing device capable of no-leak dispensing of a liquid when the dispensing device is in fluid communication with a defective liquid container, including an apparatus enabling the movement of liquid from the liquid container to a holding tank in fluid communication with the liquid container and associated with the dispensing device. The apparatus includes one or more sealing mechanisms which permit ambient air to enter the liquid container through an air path as necessary to enable uninterrupted dispensing, and also permits substantially none of the liquid or only minimal amounts of the liquid to flow out of the holding tank and through the air path, in a no-leak manner, during periods when there is no dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: MTN PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Chun Yen Wang, Tony Xiao, Lim Chin Tien
  • Patent number: 7918250
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the recovery of propane vapors during propane cylinder refueling. The apparatus includes a separate recovery cylinder adapted to receive vapors that may be created during the refilling of propane cylinders. The recovered vapors may be used in the refilling of other cylinders during a subsequent refilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Siegler
  • Publication number: 20110062189
    Abstract: This document relates to delivery devices for dispensing fluid materials, including high viscosity fluids such as high viscosity surgical adhesives. For example, methods and materials for an integrated system of containing and permitting point of use delivery of a high viscosity adhesive fluid onto a planar surface of tissue during a surgical procedure are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Kapec, Kazuna Tanaka, Yukiko Naoi, Kenneth Allen Focht, Gerhardt Liepold
  • Publication number: 20110041950
    Abstract: An automatic radiopharmaceuticals filling machine mainly comprises a main unit with an activation mechanism to perform three-dimensional reciprocal movement. The activation mechanism has a lateral slider that can be activated to move reciprocally along lateral X-axis. On the lateral slider, there is a vertical slider that can extend perpendicularly and move reciprocally along lateral Y-axis. An injection needle is located on the vertical slider and can be activated to move reciprocally along Z-axis perpendicular to the lateral slider. A syringe rack is located in the moving range of the injection needle to accommodate a plural number of syringes, on each of which there is an injection hole. A drug pump has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects to a high-dose radiopharmaceuticals drug bottle. The outlet connects to the injection needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Ming-Hsin Li
  • Patent number: 7886780
    Abstract: A reservoir for an anesthetic vaporizer is disclosed herein. The reservoir includes an open interior and a high-pressure channel in communication with the open interior. The high-pressure channel is configured to transfer an anesthetic agent from a storage container into the open interior when a pressure level within the storage container exceeds a pressure level within the open interior. The reservoir also includes a low-pressure channel in communication with the open interior. The low-pressure channel is configured to transfer the anesthetic agent from the storage container into the open interior when the pressure level within the storage container is less than or approximately equal to the pressure level within the open interior. The low-pressure channel and the high-pressure channel are configured to prevent the open interior from being overfilled with the anesthetic agent under conditions wherein the pressure level within the storage container exceeds the pressure level within the open interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John C. Falligant, Steven Alan Jandl, Brian David Paap
  • Patent number: 7882858
    Abstract: In a device for filling dispensing appliances having a pump unit with a metering cylinder and a storage container for each component, a respective coupling arrangement (5) is provided between each storage container (2, 3) and an associated coupling of a filling station. In a preferred embodiment, the appliance coupling part (28) is arranged in an inlet nozzle (17) of the dispensing appliance (1) and the station coupling part (29) in a guide (31) in the enclosure (33) of the filling station (30). This device allows a quick and simple filling of storage containers without contaminations and air entrapment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sulzer Mixpac AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Publication number: 20110023997
    Abstract: A system having a medication reservoir for a medication dosing apparatus for administering a liquid medication, and having a medication supply container holding the liquid medication, wherein a filling device is also provided for the automatic filling of the medication reservoir with the medication coming from the medication supply container. This system for administering a medication has the advantage that reliable and simple filling of the medication may be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Dick Scholten, Michael Stumber
  • Patent number: 7878170
    Abstract: A gas phase of LPG such as propane is used to power a small internal combustion engine driving or powering a preselected device such as a powered lawnmower, weed whacker, string trimmer, leaf blower or the like and the fuel system is provided with heating arrangements that insure the gas phase of the LPG is discharged from the LPG tank for all operating conditions of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Bernardo J. Herzer, David Kostka
  • Patent number: 7878372
    Abstract: An automatic water cooler replenishing system for a free standing water cooler, having an internal reservoir. The system includes a pump having an inlet port and an outlet port configured for collecting water from a supply bottle and dispensing water into the reservoir. The pump is selectively powered and automatically controlled. A relay is provided for automatically controlling the operation of the pump. The relay is configured to receive an electric signal and control the pump. A fill control assembly and a low water shut-off assembly are electrically connected to the relay. The fill control assembly is configured to detect at least one water level, in the reservoir and signal the relay to energize or de-energize the pump. The low water shut-off assembly is configured to detect a low water condition in the supply bottle and signal the relay to de-energize the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Esteban Camejo
  • Publication number: 20110017346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for dispensing a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device. The method includes the step of placing an expandable medical device on a mandrel, the medical device forming a cylindrical device having a plurality of openings and dispensing a beneficial agent into the plurality of openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Innovational Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Hunter DIAZ, Kinam PARK
  • Publication number: 20110015640
    Abstract: A stand for use with a syringe is structured to engage a portion of the syringe in order to maintain the syringe in an upright position. The stand may include an aperture structured to engage the nozzle or the plunger of the syringe. Another embodiment of the stand may include a protrusion structured to engage the proximal end of the syringe, or a clip structured to engage a handle of the syringe. The stand may include a package portion having compartments for holding various components, such as components of a bone cement preparation kit. The proximal and distal portions of the barrel of the syringe may be separable to provide an opening into the barrel through which an injectable material may be inserted. The plunger of the syringe may also include a plunger rod removably affixed to the plunger tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Stryker Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Brian J. Hess, Matthew E. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7870878
    Abstract: An apparatus for storage and liberation of compressed hydrogen or other gases is provided. The apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber that includes a cartridge comprising an array of hollow microcylinders defining cavities for storage compressed gas. Each microcylinder has at least one end sealed with a plug made of an easily meltable alloy. The apparatus also includes a gas liberating tool configured for controllable liberating the gas from the cartridge into the chamber; and a control system operatively coupled to the discharge valve and liberating tool, and configured for controlling operation thereof. According to another aspect of the invention, there are provided a system and method for filling a cartridge having an array of hollow microcylinders having open ends. The filling includes placing the cartridge into a chamber of an autoclave, and compressing the gas in the chamber, thereby providing permeation of the gas through the open ends into cavities of the microcylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignees: C. En. Limited
    Inventors: Nikolay Zhevago, Emil Denisov
  • Patent number: 7857237
    Abstract: The improved sprayer system of the present invention utilizes a docking drogue and probe assembly to quickly and easily allow refilling of the sprayer tanks with a material from an enlarged nurse tank. The coupling of the drogue and probe allows for fluid communication, as well as electronic transmission of material data to a processor in the prime mover. This processor software also receives input regarding field data and crop data, as well as feedback data from the sprayer regarding the material application. A GPS system on the prime mover allows for tracking the spraying operation, while a time stamp in the processor software tracks the timing of the spraying operation. This system thus allows for accurate accountability and traceability for the use of materials during the spraying operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Vickers, Steve A. Junge
  • Publication number: 20100319690
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for transferring a liquid, such as an anesthetic, from the outlet port of a reservoir to a machine while effectively and conveniently minimizing the release of anesthetic. In one embodiment, the apparatus and system can include a first valve movable between a first position and a second position; a first housing surrounding the first valve; a second valve slidably connected to the first valve and movable between a third position and a fourth position; and a second housing which surrounds the second valve; wherein the apparatus defines a first opening, a second opening, and a receiver passage between the first and second openings. In another embodiment, a movable plunger can be slidably connected to the second valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Piramal Critical Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Cuzydlo
  • Publication number: 20100300579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grout dispensing system comprising: a suction mechanism that draws grout material into an elongated tube; a dispensing channel attached to a first end of the elongated tube; a suction handle extending through the elongated tube, where the suction handle draws grout into the tube when moved in a first direction and dispenses grout into the dispensing channel when moved in a second direction; a plurality of dispensing tips disposed below the dispensing channel; and a squeegee on one side of the dispensing channel. In one exemplary embodiment, the suction mechanism includes a suction cup at one end of the suction handle, where said suction cup is within said elongated tube; a suction opening at a lower end of the elongated tube; and a suction tube extending from the suction opening. The distal end of suction tube lies in a deposit of grout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: VERNON ROBINSON
  • Publication number: 20100294276
    Abstract: A system for the delivery of a liquid anesthetic agent to a sump of an anesthetic vaporizer includes a filler assembly rotatable about a pivot point. The filler assembly further includes a sump valve that controls fluid communication between the filler assembly and the sump. An adapter is coupled with the filler spout and includes a sealing surface that forms a seal against fluid communication between the anesthetic bottle and the adapter. The filler assembly, the filler spout, and the adapter are rotated about the pivot point along the rail. The rotation of the filler assembly, the filler spout, and the adapter about the pivot point opens the sump valve and the seal between the adapter and the anesthetic bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: The General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ryan W. Rindy, Robert Q. Tham
  • Patent number: 7837930
    Abstract: A fragrance diffuser kit is provided comprising a decanter, a fragrance refill set, a removable snuffer cap and a removable decorative vented lid. The decanter may be selected from a plurality of unique and decorative designs that are suitable for prominent display as a piece of home décor. The fragrance refill set comprises a bottle of high-quality fragrance composition for filling the decanter and a replacement wick, whereby the user may select and change the fragrance emitted by the fragrance diffuser. The decanter incorporates a wick holder having a top opening that communicates with a top opening in the decanter body so that a wick from the fragrance refill set may be inserted and held in a position to absorb and emit the fragrance composition contained in the decanter. The snuffer cap may be used to stop the emission of the fragrance composition and the vented lid may be used to hide the wick and snuffer cap, if present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Rich Brands LLC
    Inventor: Mark D. Grodsky
  • Patent number: 7828022
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Z Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Davidson, Andres T. Hernandez, Joshua Kinsley, Jennifer Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20100276034
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device for transferring fluid between a supply reservoir and a fill reservoir includes a metering reservoir and a manifold that forms at least part of a first channel that is fluidly connected with the metering reservoir. The first channel comprises a first cannula extending from the manifold. The manifold forms at least part of a second channel fluidly connected with the metering reservoir. The second channel comprises a second cannula extending from the manifold. A third channel extends through the manifold and comprises a third cannula having a first end proximate a distal end of the first cannula and a second end proximate a distal end of the second cannula. A first check valve is disposed within the first channel and a second check valve is disposed within the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Robert R. Gonnelli, Steven F. Levesque, Robert L. Standley
  • Patent number: 7824545
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid supply assembly fluidly connectable to a source of fluid is provided. The fluid supply assembly includes a housing (702); a hydraulic assembly (710) supported within the housing (702), wherein the hydraulic assembly (710) is configured and adapted to pressurize the fluid which is supplied to a solenoid shut-off valve (724); a tank assembly (714) supported within the housing (702) for retaining a quantity of pre-conditioned fluid therein; and a filter assembly (720) supported within the housing (702) and in fluid communication with the hydraulic assembly (710).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: David Mitchell Windmiller
  • Patent number: 7823609
    Abstract: A source of compressed air, such as one or more air compressors and/or one or more tanks of compressed air, is used to sequentially fill a plurality of compressed air storage cylinders. A plurality of pressure-sensitive, one way check valves cause the storage cylinders to be automatically filled up, one at a time, in a determined sequence. The outputs of the storage cylinders are connected through a plurality of differential air pressure valves to a fill station, to cause the storage cylinders to fill up individual air breathing tanks, in which the storage cylinders are depleted in a determined sequence, one at a time. By depleting first the first to be filled storage cylinder, first in—first out, the same filling procedure can be used to refill the air storage cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Scott F. Wonders
  • Publication number: 20100269953
    Abstract: A toy water gun assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a water gun and a filling station. The filling station connects to a water source such as a hose. The gun connects to the filling station such that, when connected, the trigger is secured in a locked stated, preventing the user from discharging the gun while mounted on the station. In operation, the gun is connected to the filling station until the water reservoir on the gun is filled. The gun is then released from the filling station by engaging a release lever or button. The gun is fully charged, with the water being pressurized during the filling process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Francis Lucas
  • Patent number: 7814943
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins. The apparatus includes a source of foam and a dispensing device which has an inlet in communication with the source of foam, a usable foam outlet, and a waste bleed outlet. The waste bleed outlet communicates with the inlet and with the useable foam outlet, and has a higher resistance to flow of foam than that of the usable foam outlet. The useable foam outlet may be blocked off such that foam may flow through the high resistance waste bleed outlet, and the usable foam outlet may be opened such that foam may flow through the usable foam outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: BTG International Limited
    Inventors: Anthony David Harman, David Dakin Iowerth Wright, Jam Willem Marinus Mijers, Stuart Brian William Kay, Christopher John Hurlstone, Julian Richard Dixon, Andrew Gordon Pocock, Brendan Hogan
  • Publication number: 20100258587
    Abstract: A windshield washer fluid dispenser providing a delayed start function, whereby the user can open the hood of their vehicle and cap to their fluid reservoir. A windshield washer fluid dispenser utilizing a cellular credit card processing system for payment means, whereby the processing system is configurable for a given application. Embodiments with proximity device, RFID and wireless telephone verification are included. A windshield washer fluid dispenser having a ready light, a warning light, a start button, a flow meter and a programmable logic circuit. A windshield washer fluid dispenser system providing for a replaceable fluid drum. Methods pertaining to the disclosed apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Loyde A. Wheeler, David A. Wheeler, Cynthia M. Wheeler
  • Patent number: RE42942
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Gordon Stout, Xuyen Pham, Michael J. Rocchio, Kyle A. Naydo, Derrick J. Parks, Patrick Reich