Portable Systems Or Track Mounted Supply Means Patents (Class 141/231)
  • Patent number: 8959774
    Abstract: A method of constructing a modular, commercial unit includes arranging components of said commercial unit in separate modules, each of the separate modules having a frame assembly. The modules are then transported to a predetermined location where certain of said separate modules are connected together, via the frame assemblies, to form an operation superstructure. The components are not removed from the separate modules prior to the separate modules being connected via their respective frame assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Jose Cajiga, Arturo Cajiga Villar, Vicente Cajiga Villar
  • Patent number: 8919391
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collection and containment of collected materials is provided. The apparatus can include a vacuum truck with at least one vacuum tank disposed thereon, the vacuum tank having a hollow interior region. A flexible bladder can be disposed within the hollow interior region of the vacuum tank. The bladder can be impermeable to and compatible with the collected material and capable of containing the material therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hydrochem LLC
    Inventors: James F. Harvey, Pete K. Alvarez, Rodney Scott Holland, Rodney Scott Holland, Jr., John Bilke, Tommy Garcia, Jon Daniel
  • Patent number: 8915407
    Abstract: A mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing beverages and/or frozen confections includes a vehicle configured for travel over public roads to a location such as a parking lot, street, festival or fair grounds, or the like. The vehicle includes an enclosure having an interior space in which one or more persons can prepare and dispense confections, or containers for confections or beverages. The enclosure includes one or more service windows or openings for dispensing the prepared confections or containers; and a self-serve liquid dispensing system on or in an outer surface of the enclosure, usable by recipients of the dispensed confections or containers, for selectably dispensing toppings on the confections, or liquids into the containers, separately from the dispensing and selling thereof. The dispensing system is closable or coverable by a person from within the interior space, to prevent access from the outside, and for cleaning, service and travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kona Ice, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Lamb, Tony M. Guard
  • Patent number: 8905089
    Abstract: A liquid transportation system includes a loading station where a liquid is loaded into a container of a delivery vehicle, and a drop off location where the delivery vehicle transfers the liquid into a storage tank. The storage tank includes a tank marker including a first identification device that generates a first signal. The first signal identifies a type of liquid to be stored in the storage tank. The delivery vehicle includes a product marker having a control system and a second identification device. The second identification device identifies a type of liquid contained in the container. The control system receives the first signal and the second signal and determines whether the type of the liquid stored in the container is the same as the type of liquid to be stored in the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: CHS Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Evans
  • Patent number: 8905087
    Abstract: The invention relates to a paint mixing machine comprising a body (1), a plurality of containers (3) fixed with respect to the body and containing a pigment paste to be dosed into a paint pot (2), for each container, dosing equipment fixed with respect to the body for dosing paste contained in each container into the paint pot via nozzles (4) of the dosing equipment, and means for using the dosing equipment, wherein a robot (6) is arranged beneath the dosing nozzles (4) for moving the paint pot (2) along the robot's freely selected paths in a space coordinates system at least in relation to a currently selected dosing nozzle (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Xemec Oy
    Inventor: Pentii Airaksinen
  • Patent number: 8881773
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to facilitate removal of existing, previously-applied loosefill insulation material from a building cavity is provided. The apparatus includes a removal hose configured for conveying the removed loosefill insulation material and an actuator connected to the removal hose. The actuator is configured to generate a removal force configured to remove the loosefill insulation material from the building cavity. A receptacle is connected to the actuator and configured for storage of the removed loosefill insulation material. The removed loosefill insulation material is configured for reuse as loosefill insulation material within the building cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Carla Miller, Jason S. Fokens
  • Patent number: 8807599
    Abstract: A semi-tractor trailer for distribution of natural gas and a system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semi-tractor trailer supported fuel receptacle has a plurality of metered fuel dispensers along the sides thereof to permit customers to park along side the semi-tractor trailer and fuel their vehicles with clean natural gas, which may be compressed natural gas or liquid natural gas, for example. The semi-tractor trailer is filled at a central filling location and transported by a tractor to a convenient retail location. A volume monitor monitors the volume of clean natural gas in the semi-tractor trailer and transmits this information to the central filling location, which may dispense a replacement semi-tractor trailer upon the volume of clean natural gas reaching a pre-determined threshold and retrieve the spent semi-tractor trailer in one trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: William Lamont Brown
  • Patent number: 8789563
    Abstract: A system for controlling the loading of grain in a grain bag is described. The system includes a grain cart, a tractor attached to the grain cart, and a grain bagger with an attached grain bag. The grain bagger further comprises a steering and steering control systems and a braking and braking control system. A hopper connected to the grain bagger receives grain from an auger connected with the hopper and auger and defines a loading position in which a distal end of the auger is positioned relative to the hopper such that grain transfers from the auger into the hopper. A controller provides velocity and steering commands to the tractor and a coordinated movement system connected to the controller receives position information as to the auger and hopper and provides course adjusting information so as to maintain the auger and hopper in the loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Craig Edward Wenzel
  • Patent number: 8740251
    Abstract: An equipment service apparatus, which is suited for use in servicing ground support equipment (GSE) or aircraft ground equipment (AGE), includes a plurality of features for use in servicing and maintaining the GSE/AGE where the GSE/AGE is in use servicing an aircraft so that the GSE/AGE is not itself required to be transported to a remote location for servicing and/or maintenance. The apparatus may be constructed as a towable cart. The apparatus may include a fuel tank, a pump system configured to add fuel to or remove fuel from the fuel tank, and a fuel valve assembly operable to control fuel flow into and out of the fuel tank. The apparatus may also include a container storage portion configured to retain a plurality of removable fluid storage containers, at least one power source, and a power control system operable to control power from the at least one power source to operate at least some features of the equipment service apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Spokane Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan S. Batson, Silas E. Carroll, IV, Steve W. Santjer
  • Patent number: 8695645
    Abstract: A fuel transfer system and a method of using said system by an operator in transferring fuel from a fuel tank or fuel line of an off-road or sport/recreational vehicle to the fuel tank of a second vehicle, the fuel tank of auxiliary equipment or to some other reservoir is provided. The fuel transfer system generally comprises a fuel transfer fitting, a flexible conduit, and a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: McAvey Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Michael McAvey, Walter Edlin
  • Patent number: 8671996
    Abstract: An apparatus for the filling of a dialyzer with a dialysis liquid and/or for the draining of dialysis liquid from a dialyzer is mobile. The apparatus has at least one liquid container for the reception of a liquid, preferably of RO water, at least one concentrate receptacle for the reception of concentrate and/or a concentrate connection for the connection of a container holding concentrate as well as at least one preparation unit which is arranged and configured such that liquid from the liquid container can be mixed with concentrate from the concentrate receptacle and/or from the container holding the concentrate in the preparation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weilhoefer, Georg Zehner
  • Patent number: 8656693
    Abstract: A filling degree gauge for measuring and displaying a residual filling potential of a target area, such as a container, being filled through a target, such as an open top, with goods by a goods carrier, such as a discharge spout, of an agricultural vehicle, such as a harvester, has a 3D sensor for observing at least a part of the target area including at least a part of the target, a data control system and a visual display unit. The data control system operates to provide on the visual display unit a visual display indicating residual filling potential by indicating the current one of at least three different levels of residual filling potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: CLAAS Agrosystems KGaA mbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tommy Ertbolle Madsen, Morten Rufus Blas, Kristian Kirk
  • Patent number: 8596308
    Abstract: A method is for handling a sterilized food product and includes securing an aseptic fitment to a filling port of an intermodal container including a rigid shell having an elongate shape with opposed closed ends, and at least one frame assembly supporting the rigid shell. The method also includes sterilizing the intermodal container, and aseptically filling the sterilized intermodal container with the sterilized food product through the aseptic fitment. The method may also include sealing the aseptic fitment after aseptic filling. A related intermodal container and filling station are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Schrader, Manuele Levati, Paul P. Brocker
  • Patent number: 8590583
    Abstract: A potting apparatus has a first conveyor suitable for receiving a pot thereon, a second conveyor has a surface suitable for receiving soil thereon and having an end positioned so as to deliver soil to the pot on the first conveyor, a drill positioned above the first conveyor so as to be movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the pot on the first conveyor so as to form a hole in the pot, and a driving means cooperative with the first conveyor for moving the first conveyor in an indexing manner such that the first conveyor temporarily stops at a location directly below the drill. The drill is slidably supported on a frame so as to be driven by a belt connected to the drill. A servomotor is drivingly connected to the belt so as to move the drill in an upward direction or a downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mitchell Ellis Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean Mitchell Ellis
  • Patent number: 8561654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit which can be easily adapted to a buckraking device or silo-bag, to allow people to work without using a tractor. The kit includes a movable base having at least one wheel and an independent engine mounted on the movable base. The independent engine activates the load screw and a clutch mechanism is coupled to the independent engine. A coupling fuse is coupled to the clutch mechanism and a speed reducer is coupled to the coupling fuse. A short cardan joint is coupled to the speed reducer at one end and to the hopper in the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Sabrina Morici
  • Patent number: 8561658
    Abstract: Vehicle fuel removal system for vehicles raised upon a automotive lift or driven over a automotive work pit. The device features a piercing spear member with engagement to a hydraulically translating member of smaller diameter for piercing the fuel tank. The small diameter member acts to allow flow of fluid around the spear head and down along the small diameter translating member. The hole produced by the piercing spear tip can be adapted to allow the insertion of a bung (where required). This assembly is surrounded by a funneling basin to direct fuel flow to a receiving hose. The described members can be engaged upon a rolling support or on an arm of a pivoting wall mounted support. A residual fuel removal system from the fuel tanks of vehicles raised upon a automotive lift or driven over a automotive work pit. The device features a piercing spear member operatively engaged to a hydraulically powered translating member of smaller diameter for piercing the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Chris Kightly
  • Patent number: 8544508
    Abstract: A telescoping tube for fuel transfer operations has a fixed part and a moving part, the moving part further having a dynamic sealing system which guarantees the sealing of the moving part against the fixed part, a cushioning system which absorbs the energy of the impact of the moving part against the fixed part in operations for extending and retracting the tube and protection systems against electrical discharges which ground the moving part to the fixed part, the aforementioned dynamic sealing, cushioning and protection systems all being incorporated in a single unit in the moving part of the telescoping tube. Additionally, the invention relates to an in-flight refuelling system for a tanker aeroplane, to carry out in-flight fuel transfer operations to a receiving aircraft, having a telescoping tube with the abovementioned characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: EADS Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.
    Inventor: Ricardo Fernández Calviño
  • Publication number: 20130213521
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a compact, mobile filling station for filling cylinders. The compact modular filling station is capable of filling cylinders with fluids at high pressures and at high gas flow rates to achieve a rapid fill rates as measured in volume of fluid per time per filling system area using a controlled temperature filling process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: WENDELL W. ISOM, Marcelo Ribeiro, Armando Alejandro Garcia
  • Patent number: 8511351
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system of an aircraft refueling vehicle that is configured to distribute fuel from a hydrant pit valve at an airport. The fuel delivery system includes a first hose including a coupler that is configured to be fluidly connected to a hydrant pit valve at an airport to receive fuel from the hydrant pit valve. A fuel passageway is fluidly coupled to the first hose. An on-board fuel tank is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. A second hose is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. The second hose includes a nozzle that is configured to be coupled to a refueling point on an aircraft to distribute fuel into a fuel tank of an aircraft. A valve is coupled to the fuel passageway to control the flow of fuel to and from the aircraft refueling vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: General Transervice, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen Watkins, Edward A. Sell
  • Patent number: 8499537
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for filling a container (5) with bulk material (3), comprising a filling device with an outflow opening (6) for the bulk material (3) and a container (5) with a filling opening, through which the bulk material (3) passes into the container (5). According to the invention, an arrangement of the abovementioned type is equipped with a measuring device (13) for the repeated detection of image data from the surface (7) of the bulk material (3) in the container (5) during filling and for the repeated determination of filling state values h which are equivalent to the level of the filled bulk material in predefined regions of the bulk material surface, and with a signal processing device for generating control commands from the filling state values h for positioning the outflow opening (6) and the filling opening relative to one another and/or for influencing the quantity of bulk material (3) which flows out of the outflow opening (6) per unit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
    Inventors: Nico Correns, Christoph Nieten, Michael Rode
  • Patent number: 8479780
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling top opening refuse bags including an upright bag supporting structure and a separate hopper supportable on the upright structure for directing refuse into a refuse bag. The upright support structure and hopper both have a collapsible design which permits folding from an open operative condition to a substantially flat condition for storage. The hopper is formed by a unique arrangement of trapezoidal panels which permit collapsing of the hopper to the substantially flat condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Jesus Daniel Fernandez, David J. Fernandez, Jr., Nicolas G. Walters
  • Publication number: 20130153083
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for loading/unloading cryogenic or hot fluids between a free end of a transfer pipeline and a ship. The system comprises a shaft extended upwards to above the sea level, at least one dolly for the transfer pipeline at the free end, an internal hose, and a loading arm for connection with a ship manifold. The loading arm further comprises an external hose as well as an elbow spool, a valve, an end flange at its mobile end for connecting with a ship manifold. A crane is used to lift the mobile end of loading arms between a loading position and storing position. Internal and external hoses are freely hanging catenary for accommodating end displacements of a transfer pipeline and ship motions, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Xuejie Liu
  • Patent number: 8443849
    Abstract: An irrigation system draining apparatus adapted for use with an irrigation system having a conduit with a fluid source connection, an air inlet, and at least one output port, the apparatus includes a suction device. The suction device has an input port that is adapted to access an interior of the conduit, and to drain fluid from the conduit by suction when the fluid source connection is closed and the air inlet is open. A method of draining an irrigation system includes closing a fluid source connection for the irrigation system, opening an air inlet of the irrigation system, and using a suction device to drain fluid from the irrigation system conduit through the one output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph Rosselli, Arto Cinoglu
  • Patent number: 8430139
    Abstract: An agricultural liquid material application system broadly includes an agricultural applicator and a fluid-transferring connection assembly. The connection assembly includes complemental fluid connectors associated with a liquid material source and the applicator. The connection assembly includes a valve operably coupled to a corresponding one of the fluid connectors so as to be automatically shifted out of a closed position when the connectors are in sealing engagement with one another and the connection assembly is in a fluid transfer configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: David Pell, John Peterson
  • Patent number: 8429095
    Abstract: A fluid delivery nozzle for wireless communication to either an active or a passive device located on a vehicle and for wireless communication from the fluid delivery nozzle to a central location for storage of vehicle data. Upon initiation of a fluid delivery transaction, a communication link is established between a vehicle communication device and the central location and between a fluid container of the vehicle and the fluid delivery nozzle. The information received from the vehicle and container is relayed to the central location to authorize delivery of a fluid to the vehicle. Information is also transferred from the central location back and forth to the fluid delivery nozzle to update and store information regarding the fluid delivery transaction. A keyboard and display are provided on the fluid delivery nozzle to provide an operator interface during the fluid delivery transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Michael C. Ryan
  • Patent number: 8424574
    Abstract: A compressed gas transfer system comprising at least one first pressure vessel able to hold a volume of gas; and a first gas line to allow gas to pass out of the at least one first pressure vessel wherein the volume of the first pressure vessel is able to be varied to maintain the gas within the pressure vessel at a constant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Mosaic Technology Development Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Whiteman
  • Patent number: 8403071
    Abstract: An aboveground fueling facility for storing and dispensing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a double-wall storage tank provided in a fuel storage section where the tank is constructed and arranged to store the combustible fluid in a fire resistant tank and box. The facility further includes a dispenser section for dispensing the fuel and an isolating wall which separates the fuel storage section from the dispenser section. The isolating wall is preferably a fire wall and in part defines a fuel supply chamber. An access door provides access for a person to enter or exit the fuel supply chamber. A user may obtain self-service of fuel at the dispenser section which may also be secured by a door. Fire resistant panels are also used as the exterior box structure for the facility and also provide a display or advertising function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: U-Fuel, Inc. NV
    Inventor: Ronald Michael Webb
  • Patent number: 8393360
    Abstract: A portable system for transferring liquids such as fuels from a first tank to a second tank. The first tank may be, for example, a railcar and the second tank a transport trailer. The portable system is separated into multiple compartments with an engine compartment and a pump compartment. A wall separates the engine and pump compartments and may be sealed to prevent the passage of air or vapor therethrough. The pump is utilized to transfer liquid from the first tank to the second tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Musket Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Brakefield, Joshua Edge, Steven C. Strobel, Leroy Zaruba
  • Patent number: 8360115
    Abstract: A fuel transfer system for use with a motor vehicle of the type having a fuel tank and a fuel sending unit in the fuel tank for pumping fuel thorough a fuel line to the vehicles engine when the engine is idling where the fuel transfer system allows fuel in the fuel tank to also be delivered to an auxiliary fuel vessel such as another fuel tank, a fuel container, or an engine powered machine is provided. A fuel fitting for connecting the fuel line between a vehicle's fuel tank and engine to a fuel transfer system that can deliver fuel to an auxiliary fuel vessel is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Fuel Tool LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Trattner, Michael Goetze, Michael McAvey, Pascal J. Ricatto, Chris Smith
  • Patent number: 8353319
    Abstract: A liquid delivery system for supplying liquid from a portable container to a destination and removing vapor from the destination comprises a portable container, an elongate flexible liquid delivery hose, and an elongate flexible vapor recovery hose. The liquid delivery hose receives liquid from the portable container, and delivers the received liquid to a remote destination. The vapor recovery hose receives vapor from the remote destination, and delivers the received vapor to the substantially hollow interior of the portable container. The liquid delivery hose and the vapor recovery hose permit the movement of the liquid outlet of the liquid delivery hose to more than one selected remote destination while the container remains substantially stationary. Reduced air pressure in the portable container resulting from the removal of the liquid therefrom, causes vapor to be suctioned via the vapor recovery hose into the portable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Fuel Transfer Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Bonner
  • Patent number: 8347926
    Abstract: A portable fuel dispensing system comprises a fuel pump assembly, a conduit, and a fuel tank cap assembly. The dual line conduit permits vapor in an external fuel tank to be evacuated via a vapor line in the conduit and collected in the reservoir of the portable fuel container. The conduit and the fuel tank cap assembly comprise mating couplers having valves biased closed when disconnected from the mating coupler. In use, the fuel tank cap assembly is threaded to the external fuel tank, and the conduit coupler is connected to the cap coupler, forming a fluid-tight connection between the conduit and the fuel tank cap assembly. Thereafter, the external fuel tank is replenished by manipulating the pump assembly. The pump assembly further comprises release valves disposed in the pump body assembly to alleviate pressure differences between the reservoir of the portable fuel container and the external ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Voss Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: Frederick Voss, III
  • Patent number: 8347922
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the recovery of vapors associated with propane fueling. The fuel vapor recovery system can be implemented with typical retail propane fueling facilities. The recovery method may include capturing vapors vented during the filling of a portable propane tank into a recovery tank, and transferring some of these recovered vapors into a second tank to be filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Siegler
  • Patent number: 8347925
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventor: Ming-Hsin Li
  • Patent number: 8302639
    Abstract: A portable blending system that blends cleaner burning additives such as ethanol with unblended gasoline. Its portability enables locating the system at a user's site thereby enabling fuel blending at selected locations. The portable blending system includes a modular platform having a skid base that includes at least two longitudinally extending channels sized to accommodate a fork lift truck's forks, at least one feedpipe releasably attached to a user's storage tank that stores a selected liquid component such as ethanol or biodiesel, a loading arm assembly for transferring the selected liquid component to a tanker truck that stores a second liquid component such as a base gasoline, and electrical means having at least one conduit that connects the blending system to an external power source. The blending system can also includes a programmable logic controller, a vapor recovery adapter and an overfill monitor and overfill alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Roy W. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 8296914
    Abstract: A system for connecting a connector end fitting of a mobile flexible liquid supply pipe, for liquified natural gas, for example, to a fixed tubing located on a support with a different system, such as the manifold of a liquid transporter ship. The system comprises a guide device for guiding the fitting in the fixed tubing, for establishment of a connection, and including a cone mounted on the pipe for engagement with a trumpet on the fixed tubing during connection, with a tractive effort applied by a cable fixed to the cone. The guide device is fixed to the fitting on the flexible pipe and is coaxial to the flexible pipe. The invention is applicable to the connection of a hose to the manifold of a ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne d'Ingenierie Mecanique—EURODIM
    Inventors: Bernard Dupont, Luc Boulat, Remi Forget
  • Patent number: 8286678
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for transferring fluids such as, for example, liquefied natural gas between a source structure such as a floating storage vessel and a receiving structure such as a floating transport vessel utilizing a controllable deployment system to deploy a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit end is supported by a mooring device which is positioned by the controllable deployment system. A transfer vessel is also provided which utilizes the controllable deployment system to position and support a fluid conduit for connection with a manifold on a receiving vessel. The deployment system operates in active mode during positioning and in passive mode during fluid transfer. The fluid transfer system disclosed allows safe, controlled operation and fluid transfer in open sea conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie Dean Adkins, Donald Gregory Danmeier, John S. Hartono
  • Patent number: 8245740
    Abstract: A device for positioning a component thereof along x- and y-axes of the device is provided. The device includes first and second motors, a carriage containing the component to be positioned, a lead screw to position the carriage along a first axis of the device, and a keyed shaft to position component to be positioned along a second axis of the device. The first motor drives the lead screw and the second motor drives the flatted shaft. In some embodiments described herein, the flatted shaft turns a first pulley, which is connected to a second pulley by a belt. The component to be positioned is attached to the belt and moves along a second axis of the device as the belt moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Alfa Wassermann, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus J. Horn, Blaine Marsh
  • Patent number: 8201586
    Abstract: To prevent a burr, produced from the joint portion by welding between a liquid agent container and an injection unit, from interfering with a boring member inserted into a jig communication passage when the boring member is inserted into the jig communication passage to prevent the obstruction of the piercing action through a sealing member by the edge of the boring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Yoshida, Ryuji Izumoto, Shinichi Iwasaki, Rieko Iwasaki, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8196616
    Abstract: A portable device for delivering nitrogen to multiple tires includes a gas source and supply line connected to a controller. The device also includes a gas delivery line comprising a manifold with a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with each other. A gas delivery line is operably connected to the controller and a plurality of extension lines with engagement chucks are operably connected to the outlets. The controller controls the supply of gas to the gas delivery line and controls a relief valve for venting the gas delivery line. The device also includes a sensor and a processor connected the controller and sensor which accepts user inputs. The controller, manifold, and processor are affixed to a stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Kreska Technologies
    Inventor: Jay Lighter
  • Patent number: 8167010
    Abstract: Problems to be solved: To provide a fuel filler port closing apparatus that can be adapted to fuel filling nozzles of various shapes and that excels in operability. Means to solve the problems: Problems are solved through the fuel filler port closing apparatus adapting two-action fuel filling operation. The first action is to open a cover 5 closing an opening 44 of a fuel filler port by pushing a slider 53 with fuel filling nozzle 71, and the second action is to push and open a flapper 3 closing an opening 211 of a nozzle guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Asteer Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8162587
    Abstract: A method of supplying a portable medical gas system is provided. The disclosed method includes preparing a portable medical gas system, the portable medical gas system including a cylinder adapted to be filled with medical gas and a gas dispensing valve. The portable medical gas system is place in a specialized container having a configuration adapted to hold the portable medical gas system only when the cylinder of portable medical gas system is unused state or empty state. The portable medical gas system is delivered to the customer, and returned as an empty cylinder via commercial carrier. Upon receipt of the empty or spent portable medical gas system, another portable medical gas system filled with medical gas is sent to the customer. In one embodiment, the portable medical gas system includes a single-use flow control valve which ensures the cylinder is empty after its initial use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Hagstrom, Paul W. Garvey, William J. Bryce
  • Patent number: 8146624
    Abstract: A system for controlling the loading of animal food into self-propelled mixing units by means of a mechanical shovel. The system includes a testing apparatus, which is mounted to the shovel to determine a series of chemical-physical information related to the chemical components contained in the food and a weighing apparatus, which is installed in a self-propelled unit to measure the weight of the food and is adapted to establish a wireless communication with the testing apparatus to receive the chemical-physical information related to the components contained in the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Dinamica Generale S.R.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Ghiraldi
  • Patent number: 8136557
    Abstract: A warming system for a high pressure hydrogen gas storage tank in a motor vehicle for maintaining the temperature of the gas within the tank and the gas flow control components associated with one or more boss at the tank ends above the lower design temperature tolerance limit of the tank and components associate with the utilizing the Joule-Thomson effect in gas flowing from the tank to recycles the mechanical energy of heat compression in high pressure hydrogen fuel to warm the gas within the tank as the high pressure gas is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Handa
  • Patent number: 8109300
    Abstract: A portable system for transferring liquids such as fuels from a first tank to a second tank. The first tank may be, for example, a railcar and the second tank a transport trailer. The portable system is separated into multiple compartments with an engine compartment and a pump compartment. A wall separates the engine and pump compartments and may be sealed to prevent the passage of air or vapor therethrough. The pump is utilized to transfer liquid from the first tank to the second tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Musket Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Brakefield, Joshua Edge, Steven C. Strobel, Leroy Zaruba
  • Patent number: 8100301
    Abstract: A sandbag filling apparatus has an auger within a steel pipe mounted to a wheeled frame for easy positioning. The pipe has a sand receiving end positionable beneath a sand pile, and an elevated end with a sand chute for filling sandbags. The auger flights are substantially spaced from the pipe ID and driven by a motor mounted to the pipe. The pipe has an opening which, when positioned beneath a sandpile, allows sand to enter the pipe and to be delivered by the auger to the sand chute. A vibrator is mounted to the pipe between the opening and the elevated end which vibrates a pair of fins arranged on either side of the opening so that sand cannot form a bridge across the opening. Smaller openings may be positioned beneath the fins on either side of the primary sand opening to ease starting the auger with sand present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Stacey A. Babiarz
  • Patent number: 8069885
    Abstract: A service station, in particular a hydrogen service station for filling a motor vehicle with a gaseous and/or a liquid medium, in particular with gaseous or liquid hydrogen, is disclosed. The station includes a) a reservoir for storing a liquid medium, b) a liquid medium dispensing unit which is supplied with the liquid medium from the reservoir, c) a compressor, an evaporator, a heating system, and an intermediate reservoir for intermediate storage of a compressed gaseous medium, d) a gaseous medium dispensing unit mounted downstream of the intermediate reservoir, e) a fuel cell which is supplied by the gaseous medium coming from the reservoir and/or the intermediate reservoir and supplies power to the compressor, and f) a control unit which is powered by the fuel cell and used for controlling the compressor, the gaseous medium dispensing unit and/or the liquid medium dispensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Tobias Kederer, Henning Tomforde
  • Patent number: 8002514
    Abstract: A method of supplying a portable medical gas system is provided. The disclosed method includes preparing a portable medical gas system, the portable medical gas system including a cylinder adapted to be filled with medical gas and a gas dispensing valve. The portable medical gas system is place in a specialized container having a configuration adapted to hold the portable medical gas system only when the cylinder of portable medical gas system is unused state or empty state. The portable medical gas system is delivered to the customer, and returned as an empty cylinder via commercial carrier. Upon receipt of the empty or spent portable medical gas system, another portable medical gas system filled with medical gas is sent to the customer. In one embodiment, the portable medical gas system includes a single-use flow control valve which ensures the cylinder is empty after its initial use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Hagstrom, Paul W. Garvey, William J. Bryce
  • Publication number: 20110139302
    Abstract: An agricultural liquid material application system broadly includes an agricultural applicator and a fluid-transferring connection assembly. The connection assembly includes complemental fluid connectors associated with a liquid material source and the applicator. The connection assembly includes a valve operably coupled to a corresponding one of the fluid connectors so as to be automatically shifted out of a closed position when the connectors are in sealing engagement with one another and the connection assembly is in a fluid transfer configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Pell, John Peterson
  • Patent number: 7942171
    Abstract: An implement for mechanically filling multiple sandbags at a time is used on a loader bucket of loader-type equipment. The implement has a planar surface in which a plurality of filler apertures are formed in a plurality of rows evenly spaced over its surface area. Each filler aperture has a tensioner ring around the aperture for holding a drawstring held in a sleeve around an open end of the sandbag. A trigger mechanism is movable to a locked position in which the drawstring of the sandbag is pulled tight so that the open end of the sandbag is held in place on the tensioner ring, to an unlocked position in which the trigger mechanism lifts the drawstring off the tensioner ring to allow the sandbag filled with filler material to pull on and cinch the open end of the sandbag closed, and to a release position in which the cinched sandbag is released to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Barrier Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph W. Hartley, III
  • 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