Portable Systems Or Track Mounted Supply Means Patents (Class 141/231)
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Patent number: 6708739Abstract: A machine consisting of a vertically mobile liquid manifold filling system, and a horizontally mobile carriage for maneuvering pallets under a multi-head filler, for simultaneously filling entire pallet tiers of empty containers, such as 2.5 gallon metal or plastic jugs, bottles, or pails, 5.0 gallon metal or plastic jugs, bottles or pails, or 30-55 gallon metal or plastic drums, requires only the labor to lift and place empty containers onto a pallet, instead of the conventional physical handling and palletizing, of heavy, prefilled containers.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Carl J. Fabry
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Patent number: 6705360Abstract: An air compressor for use with direct source current sources such as the typical cigarette lighter found in most motor vehicles. The device is made up of an electrically powered air compressor which is controllable by a removable programmable controller. This removable programmable controller is configured to be removable from the compressor to measure an amount of air pressure within an item, and to be programmed and placed upon the compressor to activate the compressor to deliver a desired amount of air to the item being inflated, and to deactivate the compressor when a desired amount of air pressure has been reached within the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Bon-Aire IndustriesInventor: Robert L. Bonzer
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Publication number: 20040045623Abstract: A highly efficient apparatus and method for managing the transport, delivery, holding, dispensing, and removal of fluid material from a source to a user is disclosed. Material from the source in bulk form is transported to a customer in the quantity that is transmitted automatically from monitors or indicated manually. At the customer site, material is transferred directly via pipes and couplers, held and monitored at the user site in mini-tanks, and dispensed according to user needs. Data such as material volume in holding and other operational and monitoring data are gathered and transmitted automatically to a central processing center, where re-ordering and delivery planning are performed. These data are also utilized for analysis and business/operational planning.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Frank L. Parker, Walter D. Klatch
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Patent number: 6701980Abstract: A fueling assembly for use in the transfer of fuel is disclosed. The assembly includes a platform and a plurality of swivel joints and pipe sections. The assembly can be folded onto and supported by the platform, and can be unfolded to extend away from the platform. A vertically-moving assembly and a horizontally-moving assembly are provided, each including two swivel joints and connected to each other by an elbow pipe. A coupler may be attached to one of the swivel joints for releasable coupling with a fueling assembly, and for receiving fuel from the fueling assembly. The hydrant may be attached to a pantograph or to any mobile pipeline or mobile pipe segment.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Nova Group, IncInventor: Guy G. Rothrock
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Patent number: 6698472Abstract: A housing for a fluid transfer machine includes a base and a pedestal extending outward from the base in a substantially vertical orientation and terminating in a platform. The base has a perimeter defined by an edge, and the pedestal is offset inward from the edge to provide an open space beneath the platform between an underside of the platform and a topside of the base member. This space stores at least one container for a fluid. A cover is mounted to move between an open position where the platform is exposed and a closed position where the platform is covered.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: MOC Products Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Camacho, Eric A. Berg
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Publication number: 20040031537Abstract: The present invention generally an apparatus and a method for filling tanks with acetylene gas. The invention includes filling a first tank to a first level, thereafter filling a second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention further includes restricting the flow of gas to the second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention also includes a first and a second transportable source of compressed acetylene.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Applicant: Western International Gas & Cylinder Inc.Inventors: W. Dan Hord, Ted M. Royer, Brian H. Schumann, Donald F. Constantine, Craig A. Robertson, Joseph Burghard
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Patent number: 6691749Abstract: This invention relates to a service coupling for coupling a vehicle to a service port such that one or more services are transferable therebetween. The coupling comprises a plug comprising at least one service engagement portion; and a receptacle comprising an opening to receive the plug, and at least one service engagement portion positioned to engage the plug service engagement portion when the plug is inserted into the receptacle. The engagement is such that a service is transferable between the plug and receptacle. At least one of the plug and receptacle service engagement portions is arcuate thereby enabling engagement to be maintained between the plug and receptacle engagement portions when the plug is rotated about the axis and within the arc-length of the arcuate engagement portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: General Hydrogen CorporationInventors: Alan John Mulvenna, John David Trevor Graham
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Patent number: 6688342Abstract: An apparatus and method is available for transferring data relating to the functioning of a fuel dispenser between a wireless device and the fuel dispenser. The wireless device activates a sensor on the fuel dispenser which in turn initiates the transfer of data between the wireless device and the fuel dispenser. The wireless device can download data from the fuel dispenser for review as well as modifying the data. If the operator of the wireless device modifies the data, the operator can upload the modified data to the fuel dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Tokheim CorporationInventor: Tommy W. Lewis
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Patent number: 6685758Abstract: A material disposal system ideally suited for use in container filling operations and includes a cover member and a hopper having a lower door operable relative to the hopper by pneumatic or other actuating means for opening and closing the passage disposed above a drum or other container to be filled. The cover member and hopper are fixedly attached to each other. The cover member forms a seal around the inside of the container opening such that air and other gases escaping from the container by the filling or other material handling operation are directed through filter means which separate airborne particulates therefrom. The material disposal system is adaptable for covering and sealing a wide variety of containers. The filter means is adaptable for filtering a wide variety of materials and particulate sizes for removal of noxious gases, vapors and other airborne effluents.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Sprague Air Controls, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Bennett, Thomas P. LeClair
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Patent number: 6682416Abstract: An apparatus for automatic adjustment of a transfer device on an agricultural harvesting machine includes a sensor for determining the current position of the transfer device; means for adjustment of the transfer device; a navigation device located in the harvesting machine for determination of a first and a second navigated position in a field; and an electronic analyzer wherein the electronic analyzer automatically adjusts the transfer device through the means for adjustment as a function of the current position of the transfer device and the first and second navigated positions of the harvesting machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbHInventors: Willi Behnke, Norbert Diekhans, Jochen Huster, Gunnar Quincke
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Publication number: 20040007286Abstract: A high-speed bulk filling tank truck is provided, which permits reduction of the filling time. The high-speed bulk filling tank truck delivers a liquefied gas in a truck tank to a bulk storage tank, and recovers a gas-phase gas in the bulk storage tank into the truck tank, thereby filling the bulk storage tank with the liquefied gas. The high-speed bulk filling tank truck includes a liquid feed pump, provided on a liquid line through which the liquefied gas flows, for feeding the liquefied gas in the truck tank to the bulk storage tank, and a gas compressor, provided on the gas line through which a gas-phase gas flows, for compressing the gas-phase gas in the bulk storage tank and delivering the same into the truck tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Koagas Nihon Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masayasu Kamikozuru
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Publication number: 20030221747Abstract: A fueling assembly for use in the transfer of fuel is disclosed. The assembly includes a platform and a plurality of swivel joints and pipe sections. The assembly can be folded onto and supported by the platform, and can be unfolded to extend away from the platform. A vertically-moving assembly and a horizontally-moving assembly are provided, each including two swivel joints and connected to each other by an elbow pipe. A coupler may be attached to one of the swivel joints for releasable coupling with a fueling assembly, and for receiving fuel from the fueling assembly. The hydrant may be attached to a pantograph or to any mobile pipeline or mobile pipe segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Guy G. Rothrock
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Patent number: 6641000Abstract: A fuel conduction system is provided for conducting fuel between a fuel source and a fuel consuming device which are either integrated as a single unit or apart as separate units. The system generally comprises concentric supply and return tubes for connection between the fuel source and the pump of a consuming device. A valve is positioned in series with the supply line which prevents siphoning of the contents of the supply line if it is damaged. Anti-siphoning and flashback arrest measures are also provided on the return line. In one embodiment, the fuel conduction system may be used on a portable fuel storage devices for refueling various consuming devices. In another embodiment, the fuel conduction system may be used on a fuel consuming device, between the pump and fuel storage container thereon, so that the fuel storage container may be selectively separated from the device in a safe manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Inventor: Jack Lange
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Patent number: 6637474Abstract: A portable levee system including a substantially U-shaped lower frame having a hopper truss extending from said lower frame, a hopper support frame slidably connected to vertical hopper support members depending from the hopper truss. A hopper is positioned in the hopper support frame and a bag rail depends from the hopper support frame and beneath the hopper. The hopper frame may be adjustable manually by rack and pinion, by a hydraulic system, or by other mechanical means. The bag rail may have a plurality of bag guides disposed therein for quickly and easily positioning a levee bag beneath the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Westwind Levee Systems, LLCInventor: David K. Hall
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Patent number: 6637475Abstract: A bulk chemical delivery system, comprising: a bulk chemical canister that is connected to at least one manifold box, wherein each manifold box has at least two output lines, wherein each output line connects to a secondary canister. In non-limiting representative example, the bulk chemical canister may have a capacity of 200 liters. Also disclosed are novel manifolds for use in delivering chemicals from canisters and a transportation/containment cart.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Noah, John N. Gregg, Robert M. Jackson, Craig Esser
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Patent number: 6626212Abstract: A flexible container for liquid transport made of a flexible material includes a top face portion, a bottom face portion, and a peripheral face portion connecting the top face portion and the bottom face portion. An air tight, water resistant slide fastener is openably/closably mounted to the peripheral face portion of the container. A liquid stirring port is provided at the top face portion, and a liquid injecting and ejecting port are provided at a lower end of a rear face portion of the peripheral face portion. Container suspending pieces and bottom face portion fixing pieces are mounted at the top face portion of the container and at four corners of the bottom face portion. During washing, the container can be washed reliably and efficiently while the inside of the spread out container can be visually checked by efficiently utilizing the air tight, water resistant slide fastener, liquid stirring port, liquid injecting and ejecting port, and container suspending pieces, and bottom face port fixing pieces.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignees: YKK Corporation, Asano Transportation Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koitsu Morioka, Yoshimitsu Asano, Hiromasa Asano, Tokuo Oozeki, Nobuhiro Ichikawa, Jyunichiro Kudo
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Patent number: 6619342Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel stop service port for coupling to a connectivity device of a wheeled vehicle such that one or more services, namely electricity, data, and fluids, are transferable therebetween. The service port includes a housing having a receptacle recess with a recess opening on an outside surface of the housing; a fastener on the housing for fastening the service port to the ground; a receptacle inside the recess and comprising an opening shaped to receive a service plug of a vehicle connectivity device, and a service engagement portion inside the receptacle for engaging a corresponding service engagement portion on the plug; a service conduit junction coupled to the receptacle and couplable to a service conduit to enable the transfer of a service therebetween; and a wheel contact surface located on the housing outside surface such that upon contact of the contact surface by a wheel of a vehicle, the connectivity device of the vehicle is within coupling range of the service port.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: General Hydrogen CorporationInventors: John David Trevor Graham, David Michael Routtenberg, William Edward Mufford, Darren Scott Sokoloski, Alan John Mulvenna
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Patent number: 6612348Abstract: A liquid delivery system for a marine vessel or a road vehicle is provided which comprises a flexible bladder for housing a liquid, a portable pump, a protective housing for the pump, a pump switch and conduits for connecting the bladder, the pump and a container for liquid or the vessel or vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Inventor: Robert A. Wiley
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Patent number: 6609534Abstract: A multi-additive injection system for injecting required amounts of different additives to flowing fuel in a fuel line (6) comprises a number of additive injection sub-systems (1, 2, 3 and 4). Each sub-system includes a source of additive (7), a pump (13) to deliver additive from the source (7) to the fuel line (6), and an additive meter (21) to measure an amount of the additive being delivered to the fuel line (6) by the pump (13). The multi-additive injection system further includes a meter to measure the amount of fuel flowing through the fuel line (6) and a control device such as a computer to control the pump (13) of each sub-system to adjust the amount of additive being delivered by each pump, should the amount metered by the meters (21) deviate.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Fluid Transfer LimitedInventors: Brian Frederick Beaney, Bruno Peter Paul La Terra
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Patent number: 6598629Abstract: A sandbagging manufacturing apparatus designed to be used with standard sanding trucks normally used with a broadcast spreader. The truck includes a large hopper with a hydraulically controlled conveyor belt located longitudinally inside the large hopper that delivers sand to a rear opening. Located below the rear opening is rigid framework used to hold the broadcast spreader. The apparatus includes a small hopper selectively attached to the framework below the hopper's rear opening. The small hopper is designed to slide into brackets formed on the framework so that the small hopper and broadcast spreader may be easily exchanged. A vertically aligned chute is attached to the small hopper through which sand falls to fill sandbags. The apparatus also includes a control box designed to control the operation of the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventors: Morris J. Malone, Morris W. Malone, Viola C. Malone
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Patent number: 6595250Abstract: A fluid filling system has a filling unit which is repositionable with respect to a filling station. The filling unit includes a filling head and a dispensing switch. The filling station has a filling position at which a container may be placed for filling with fluid. A container fill sensor is provided at the filling position so that it may detect the degree to which a container is filled. A movable switching member is also provided on the filling station, and it communicates with the container fill sensor and moves to different positions in accordance with the degree to which a container at the filling position is filled. The filling unit is repositionable with respect to the filling station so that the filling unit may be situated adjacent the filling station with its filling head situated over the filling position, or may be moved to allow the filling unit to rest at other locations. When the filling unit is resting adjacent the filling station with its filling head situated over the filling position (i.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Ideal Manufacturing Sales Corp.Inventor: Larry Charles Paulus
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Patent number: 6591875Abstract: A cart for filling intermodal shipping containers with a bulk particulate material, such as grain, includes a hopper to receive the bulk material and a belt conveyor to deliver the material to the container. The conveyor is positioned external of the container and throws the material along an arcuate path to the opposite end of the container whereby the container is substantially filled without the need to extend the conveyor into the container. The cart is supported on wheels to be moved where needed. The cart can straddle a standard truck trailer carrying a container so that the container need not be removed from the trailer for filling. The conveyor height is variable to reach a container on a truck trailer or on the ground. The cart width can also be reduced for road transport.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Richard D. Zaun, Richard W. Hook, Bruce L. Warman, Gregory M. Knott, John M. Robinson, Christopher G. Kay, Mark Guterman, Dmitry I. Spivak, Thomas E. Sparrow, John A. Madson, Jon Ambuehl
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Publication number: 20030062096Abstract: A cart for filling intermodal shipping containers with a bulk particulate material, such as grain, includes a hopper to receive the bulk material and a belt conveyor to deliver the material to the container. The conveyor is positioned external of the container and throws the material along an arcuate path to the opposite end of the container whereby the container is substantially filled without the need to extend the conveyor into the container. The cart is supported on wheels to be moved where needed. The cart can straddle a standard truck trailer carrying a container so that the container need not be removed from the trailer for filling. The conveyor height is variable to reach a container on a truck trailer or on the ground. The cart width can also be reduced for road transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2001Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventors: Richard D. Zaun, Richard W. Hook, Bruce L. Warman, Gregory M. Knott, John M. Robinson, Christopher G. Kay, Mark Guterman, Dmitry I. Spivak, Thomas E. Sparrow, John A. Madson, Jon Ambuehl, john overbeeke
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Patent number: 6536487Abstract: Atomically engineered hydrogen storage alloys which include a spectrum of hydrogen bonding energies and multiple hydride phases which extends and enhances their storage capacity at high pressures and high pressure hydrogen storage units which contain a variable amount of these hydrogen storage alloys therein to enhance the storage capacity of the unit beyond that obtainable by conventional alloys or pressurized hydrogen gas alone.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa Young, Baoquan Huang
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Patent number: 6510416Abstract: A fuel delivery system performs a refueling operation in accordance with voice command signals audibly provided by a customer situated within a vehicle positioned for refueling. The customer generates audio signals representative of refueling transaction information, such as a request to initiate fuel dispensing activity, data indicative of the fuel type, fuel volume, purchase amount, and form of payment, and a request to terminate the refueling transaction. A microphone detects the customer voice signals and provides audio detection signals representative thereof. A speech recognition device converts the audio detection signals into corresponding fuel dispensing command signals. A controller generates fuel dispensing control signals in accordance with the fuel dispensing command signals and couples these control signals to the fuel dispenser assembly to effect operative control thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Tokheim CorporationInventor: Dinesh Lad
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Publication number: 20020189709Abstract: A bulk chemical delivery system, comprising: a bulk chemical canister that is connected to at least one manifold box, wherein each manifold box has at least two output lines, wherein each output line connects to a secondary canister. In non-limiting representative example, the bulk chemical canister may have a capacity of 200 liters. Also disclosed are novel manifolds for use in delivering chemicals from canisters and a transportation/containment cart.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Craig M. Noah, John N. Gregg, Robert M. Jackson, Craig Esser
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Patent number: 6488057Abstract: A fueling system to be provided in a gas station is disclosed, which comprises at least one fueling machine, and a data input/output unit, the data input/output unit being movable in a required direction, and a fueling data being input from the data input/output unit and being output to the fueling machines.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Tatsuno CorporationInventor: Hiyoshi Tatsuno
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Patent number: 6474443Abstract: A portable suction device for removing liquid from an engine includes a plastic tank including a pump aperture for enabling removal of air or gases from the tank and a receiving aperture for receiving a liquid or gas from an engine. The suction device includes a pump apparatus for creating a negative pressure in the plastic tank. The pump apparatus includes a metal cylindrical tube, a plastic piston surrounded by the cylindrical tube, a metal piston rod having an end secured to the piston and a pump handle secured to the other end of the piston rod. A plastic support bracket supports a first end of the cylindrical tube adjacent the pump handle by securing the tube to a protrusion at a top end of the tank. A pump support cap receives the second end of the cylindrical tube for securing the tube at the pump aperture of the plastic tank. Due to the arrangement of the cylindrical tube above the plastic tank, the cylindrical tube functions as a portable suction device handle for carrying the plastic tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Kristus, Inc.Inventors: Barry A. Kearns, Curtis Taylor
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Publication number: 20020144716Abstract: A vacuum transfer system for transferring food grade products. A biased ball in a cage with a substantially uninterrupted cage wall is utilized as a check valve. The ball may be biased by a weight to float in a predictable orientation relative to the cage. The biased ball assures that a certain portion of the ball will consistently engage with and aperture. The biased ball also minimizes chattering of the ball in the cage under high flow conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventor: Marcus J. Engle
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Publication number: 20020139438Abstract: A fuel conduction system is provided for conducting fuel between a fuel source and a fuel consuming device which are either integrated as a single unit or apart as separate units. The system generally comprises concentric supply and return tubes for connection between the fuel source and the pump of a consuming device. A valve is positioned in series with the supply line which prevents siphoning of the contents of the supply line if it is damaged. Anti-siphoning and flashback arrest measures are also provided on the return line. In one embodiment, the fuel conduction system may be used on a portable fuel storage devices for refueling various consuming devices. In another embodiment, the fuel conduction system may be used on a fuel consuming device, between the pump and fuel storage container thereon, so that the fuel storage container may be selectively separated from the device in a safe manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: Jack Lange
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Patent number: 6439275Abstract: An automatic connection system provides for the transfer of energy, gas or liquid fuel between two units of which at least one can be mobile. The system has one transfer part or cable which is at least partially elastic and at least partially rigid and a receiver device that is funnel-shaped with successively tapering or successively tapering successively turned cross-sections. An input device on the transfer part or cable operates as a codeable, secure, self-connecting connection device. An output device is affixed to the receiver device. The system can utilize a cable winder or another suitable extension and retraction mechanism for extension and retraction of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Inventor: Abdullah Alhomsi
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Patent number: 6435229Abstract: A bulk chemical delivery system, comprising: a bulk chemical canister that is connected to at least one manifold box, wherein each manifold box has at least two output lines, wherein each output line connects to a secondary canister. In non-limiting representative example, the bulk chemical canister may have a capacity of 200 liters. Also disclosed are novel manifolds for use in delivering chemicals from canisters and a transportation/containment cart.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Noah, John N. Gregg, Robert M. Jackson, Craig Esser
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Patent number: 6420961Abstract: The present invention includes wireless communication systems, interfacing devices, communication methods, methods of interfacing with an interrogator, and methods of operating an interrogator. According to one embodiment, a wireless communication system includes a remote communication device; an interrogator configured to output a forward link wireless communication and receive a reply link wireless communication from the remote communication device responsive to the forward link wireless communication; and an interface device configured to interface with the interrogator using a wireless medium, the interrogator being configured to be controlled by the interface device.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1998Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin G. Bates, Scott Hahn
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Patent number: 6418985Abstract: A system for delivering fuel comprising a receiver coupled in liquid communication with a fuel tank of a vehicle, a nozzle coupled in liquid communication with a fuel source and interactive alignment structure for mating the nozzle with receiver in response to movement of the receiver and the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Inventor: Freddie S. Aguilar
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Patent number: 6390151Abstract: A central system controller located at a remote service facility performs the centralized processing of the various refueling transaction requests originating from a network of service station sites. The transaction request is transmitted by the customer from a vehicle RF transceiver to a dispenser-equipped RF transceiver where it is routed through an on-site dedicated controller to the central system controller over a long-haul communications link. The central system controller processes the transaction and directs the dedicated controller to render operative control of the fuel dispenser and an associated hydraulic arm assembly that selectively maneuvers the nozzle assembly into fueling engagement with the vehicle in an automated fashion. The central system controller is connected to other commercial retailers such as online merchants to permit the customer to request additional transactions unrelated to the refueling activity.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Tokheim CorporationInventors: Gary L. Christman, William Goggin
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Patent number: 6390157Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable lubricant replenishing system for an industrial machine and comprises a battery operated pump for dispensing the lubricant to the machine. The lubricant replenishing system further comprises a retractable tube coupled with a specially configured nozzle to secure to a lubricant reservoir of the machine. The lubricant replenishing system further comprises a control module adapted to operate the pump and display a system status. The present invention also relates to a method of replenishing one or multiple industrial machines with the portable lubricant replenishing system. The method further comprises a robot and a guided vehicle system enabling the method to be operable manually or fully automated.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Chalor Moogdaharn, Watcharin Pinlam, Youthachai Bupparit
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Patent number: 6382272Abstract: A motor truck has a frame supporting an enclosed housing having two compartments accommodating a fuel tank, an oil tank in one compartment and a container for sand in the other compartment for servicing a rail locomotive located at a remote location or rail yard. Pumps mounted located in the one compartment move the fuel, oil, and water from the tanks through hoses to tanks on the locomotive. Air flowing from an air compressor moves sand from the sand container into a sand hopper on the locomotive.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: M-Bar-D Railcar Tech, Inc.Inventors: William G. Dahlin, William S. Pladson
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Patent number: 6382264Abstract: A recyclable fuel distribution system comprising a hierarchy of operatively linked (with fuel supply and reaction product collection elements) fluid fuel transport vehicles, fluid fuel storage tanks, fuel supply reservoirs (optional depending on specific use), and fluid fuel usage devices operatively linked to the storage tanks or supply reservoirs, as applicable. The fuel, during use, undergoes a reversible chemical reaction, whereby collected reaction product is reversible to the original fuel. At least one and preferably all of the vehicles, storage tanks and reservoirs contain a storage volume with separated chambers, adapted to inversely change relative to fuel being supplied and reaction product being collected and stored. As a result, a single volume during transport, storage, and use, provides the dual function of fuel supply and collection of reversible reaction product, with concomitant nearly halving of transport, storage and use volumes and costs.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Reveo, Inc.Inventors: Tsepin Tsai, Sadeg M. Faris
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Patent number: 6367516Abstract: A central system controller located at a remote service facility performs the centralized processing of the various refueling transaction requests originating from a network of service station sites. The transaction request is transmitted by the customer from a vehicle RF transceiver to a dispenser equipped RF transceiver where it is routed through an on-site dedicated controller to the central system controller over a long-haul communications link. The central system controller processes the transaction and directs the dedicated controller to render operative control of the fuel dispenser and an associated hydraulic arm assembly that selectively maneuvers the nozzle assembly into fueling engagement with the vehicle in an automated fashion. The central system controller is connected to other commercial retailers such as online merchants to permit the customer to request additional transactions unrelated to the refueling activity.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Tokheim CorporationInventors: Gary L. Christman, William Goggin
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Patent number: 6367586Abstract: An oil lift drain includes a molded plastic container with a projecting upward centerline spout connected by a hollow handle to the interior of the container. Two telescoping tubes are fitted within and project from the spout and include adjustable brackets or clamps. A funnel is supported on top of the adjustable tubes.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Lisle CorporationInventor: Kevin L. Tally
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Patent number: 6357488Abstract: In order to transfer aseptic products between two enclosures (34), use is made of a sterile container (10) having a filling interface (16) and an emptying interface (18). Each interface (16, 18) comprises a seal (24) behind which is placed a flexible hose (26) equipped with a closure system (30, 30′). The filling and emptying of the container (10) take place by connecting the corresponding interface (16, 18) and enclosure (34), sterilizing the volume trapped between the seal (24) and the door (42, 50) of the enclosure (34), opening said door and also the seal and putting into place the corresponding flexible hose (26). After filling the container (10), the closure system (30) of the filling interface (16) is closed again.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: La CalheneInventors: Jean-Pierre Brossard, Philippe Fontcuberta
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Publication number: 20020029821Abstract: Atomically engineered hydrogen storage alloys which include a spectrum of hydrogen bonding energies and multiple hydride phases which extends and enhances their storage capacity at high pressures and high pressure hydrogen storage units which contain a variable amount of these hydrogen storage alloys therein to enhance the storage capacity of the unit beyond that obtainable by conventional alloys or pressurized hydrogen gas alone.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa Young, Baoquan Huang
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Patent number: 6347723Abstract: The invention relates to a security system for flowable products in storage and/or transportation tanks, which have openings at least for filling, removing and/or controlling purposes. The security system comprises a control device and write-read devices for data exchange with connection elements connectable to the openings. The connection elements have a code mark or a tag. With each opening is clearly associated a tag. With each opening is also associated a closure element as a connection element, on which is located the tag associated with the opening. The associations of tag and opening are controllable and storable in the control device and in the case of a specific association of all the tags with the particular openings a manipulation-free state can be displayed by the control device.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: BARTEC Componenten und Systeme GmbHInventors: Reinhold A. Barlian, Alfred Böhm
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Publication number: 20010042574Abstract: The vehicle (1) has a trailer unit (3) for receiving intermediate bulk carrier (IBC) compartments (4) an integrated liquid recovery system (20), an IBC mounting system (30) and an evacuation system (40) with tapping points (42, 43) along either side of the vehicle (1). Wasted journeys are minimised by optimising the shape and size of IBC for a given delivery and load balancing enhances vehicle stability. The cost and environmental impact of accidental damage is also reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventor: Joseph Reynolds
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Patent number: 6305442Abstract: A complete infrastructure system for the generation, storage, transportation, and delivery of hydrogen which makes a hydrogen ecosystem possible. The infrastructure system utilizes high capacity, low cost, light weight thermal hydrogen storage alloy materials having fast kinetics. Also, a novel hydrogen storage bed design which includes a support/heat-transfer component which is made from a highly porous, high thermal conductivity, solid material such as a high thermal conductivity graphitic foam. Finally a material including at least one particle having atomically engineered local chemical and electronic environments, characterized in that the local environments providing bulk nucleation.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa T. Young
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Publication number: 20010025670Abstract: A complete infrastructure system for the generation, storage, transportation, and delivery of hydrogen which makes a hydrogen ecosystem possible. The infrastructure system utilizes high capacity, low cost, light weight thermal hydrogen storage alloy materials having fast kinetics. Also, a novel hydrogen storage bed design which includes a support/heat-transfer component which is made from a highly porous, high thermal conductivity, solid material such as a high thermal conductivity graphitic foam. Finally a material including at least one particle having atomically engineered local chemical and electronic environments, characterized in that the local environments providing bulk nucleation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa T. Young
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Patent number: 6296028Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile oil change device suitable for transporting to a remote site of an automobile movement of the automobile into an enclosure carried by the device and conducting an oil change in the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Daryl R. Oakland
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Patent number: 6283178Abstract: A bag filler attachment for a sander for quickly and conveniently filling large number of bags. The bag filler attachment for a sander includes a hopper member having a top end, bottom portion, top portion which is tapered from the top end to the bottom portion, a flange member securely attached along a rim of the hopper member at the top end thereof and being attachable to a dispensing member on a sander; and also includes a bag holding member which includes an elongate member being securely attached to the bottom portion and being horizontally disposed and having a pair laterally-extending grooves extending about the circumference of the elongate member near the ends thereof and being adapted to hold one end of a bag during the filling thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Inventor: Leonard Way
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Patent number: 6279624Abstract: Automatic refuelling of vehicles, primarily cars, is effected by a fuelling robot. An optical sensor is disposed adjacent the fuelling robot and is adapted to detect optically the position of the fuel-tank flap of a vehicle parked for fuelling purposes, relative to the rest position of the robot head. The sensor is also adapted to detect the position of the orifice of the fuel-tank filler pipe relative to the position of the robot head. A computer receives position signals from the sensor and guides a robot-carried opening device into abutment with the fuel-tank flap to open the flap, and to effect docking of a fuelling nozzle within the fuel-tank filler pipe orifice.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Autofill Patent ABInventor: Sten Corfitsen
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Patent number: 6269848Abstract: Automatic refuelling of vehicles, primarily cars, is effected by a fuelling robot. An optical sensor is disposed adjacent the fuelling robot and is adapted to detect optically the position of the fuel-tank flap of a vehicle parked for fuelling purposes, relative to the rest position of the robot head. The sensor is adapted to sense a code that is optically readable and that is carried by the vehicle. A computer is adapted to guide a robot-carried opening device into abutment with the fuel-tank flap, to open the flap, to effect docking of a fuelling nozzle in accordance with a movement plan, and also to carry out those movements in a reverse order and thereby close the fuel-tank flap when fuelling has been completed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Autofill Patent ABInventor: Sten Corfitsen