Manifold Or Divider Patents (Class 141/244)
  • Patent number: 9493254
    Abstract: A process for filling pharmaceutical product containers in a container filling machine with the stages of: filling the container with the corresponding pharmaceutical substance through filling means in a filling station of the filling machine, weighing the filled container in a filled container weighing station to confirm that the quantity of pharmaceutical substance with which the container has been filled lies within the desired range, in which when the quantity of pharmaceutical substance with which the container has been filled lies outside the desired range the filling means are moved to the filled container weighing station and the container is topped up with a quantity such that the total substance placed in the container in the two stages lies within the desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GRIFOLS, S.A.
    Inventor: Jordi Boira Bonhora
  • Patent number: 9365304
    Abstract: A container arrangement includes a plurality of flexible disposable bags (20a, b, c) which each have an inlet element to which a flexible connecting tube (18a, b, c) is attached, wherein each connecting tube (18a, b, c) branches off from a flexible common main line (12, 14, 16) which has a common inlet section (12) on the intake end. The main line (12, 14, 16) has a common gas outlet section (14) at the discharge end. A non-return valve (146) which closes against the gas outlet direction and a gas-permeable, liquid-tight sterile filter (144) are arranged in the common gas outlet section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Sartorius Lab Instruments GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Mueller
  • Publication number: 20150107717
    Abstract: There is provided a loading tray for loading particulate material into a catalytic reactor comprising an upper tubesheet and an array of reaction tubes extending downward from the tubesheet; wherein the loading tray comprises: a loading template comprising one or more loading openings; one or more supports for spacing the loading template above the tube-sheet to form a volume between the loading template and the upper tube-sheet; and a vacuum outlet for application of suction to the volume between the loading template and the upper tubesheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: MOURIK INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Paulus Gerardus Marie Knubben
  • Publication number: 20140318667
    Abstract: A device for operating a plurality of containers fillable with a medium may include a plurality of container valves each connected to of one of the containers, and a filling channel arrangement connectable or connected at one end to a media pressure source and connected at the other end to the respective container valves. In order to simplify determination of the media pressure in the individual containers and, furthermore, to permit different filling speeds, an emptying channel arrangement is connected at one end to the container valves and connectable at the other end to an unpressurized media hollow via an emptying channel valve. The media pressure in one of the containers can be calculated using a mathematical model. A filling channel valve may be provided for selectively connecting the filling channel arrangement to the media pressure source either directly or via a throttle in order to permit different filling speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Birgit Ferstl
  • Patent number: 8851127
    Abstract: Methods and systems for pharmaceutical compounding are described. In one embodiment a system comprises a solution of a pharmaceutical in an injection vehicle, the solution being contained in a vessel. The system also includes one or more tubes, a filter, and one or more valves. The system presents a sterile environment for compounding the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Express Scripts, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Marquis, Douglas Lang
  • Patent number: 8844583
    Abstract: The invention provides a refuel valve assembly 240 for refuelling a first and a second fuel tank on an aircraft, wherein the refuel valve assembly 240 comprises an inlet for receiving fuel from an orifice 215 in a structure 213 of the aircraft, a first 251a and a second outlet 251b for delivering fuel from behind the structure to the first 211a and second 211b fuel tanks, and a refuel control apparatus for controlling fuel flow to the first and second outlets; wherein the refuel control apparatus includes a controllable valve assembly, so that delivery of fuel through the first outlet to a first fuel tank can be controlled independently of delivery through the second outlet of fuel to a second fuel tank. The invention also provides a method of refuelling a first and a second fuel tank on an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Clive French
  • Publication number: 20140137978
    Abstract: A pre-sterilized system for dispensing biopharmaceutical materials includes a reservoir for holding biopharmaceutical materials coupled to a filter and distribution manifold connected to a plurality of receiving containers. The manifold includes a plurality of container conduits and a plurality of distribution conduits. The plurality of container conduits is connected to the plurality of receiving containers and supports the plurality of distribution conduits above the plurality of receiving containers to allow flow of the biopharmaceutical materials from the plurality of distribution conduits by gravity into the plurality of receiving containers. The plurality of receiving containers and the manifold are sealed relative to an ambient environment outside the manifold and the plurality of containers to inhibit contamination of the biopharmaceutical materials when the biopharmaceutical materials are inside at least one of the plurality of receiving containers and the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventor: Tikiri Jean DISSANAYAKE
  • Publication number: 20140137519
    Abstract: A fluid manifold system includes a manifold having at least portions of opposing flexible sheets welded together to form a fluid flow path therebetween, a fluid inlet communicating with the fluid flow path. A plurality of receiving containers are in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the manifold, each receiving container bounding a compartment. The receiving containers can be formed integral with the manifold by welding together a second portion of the opposing flexible sheets or can comprise separate containers that are coupled to the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: HYCLONE LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Jeremy K. Larsen, Patrick L. Draper, Brandon M. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8701719
    Abstract: A method for filling containers with liquid. Liquid is provided from a reservoir and at least two filling positions, of a filling position group, are each configured to fill a container with liquid at a filling rate. With a common flow meter, a total volume of liquid flowing into the containers at the filling positions of the filling position group is measured during a filling phase. A liquid control valve of each of the filling positions is opened and closed in response to: a measurement signal provided by the flow meter; and at least one of (a) and (b) where: (a) is a time correction compensating for filling rates being different for the filling positions; and (b) is at least one throttle influencing the filling rates. The containers at the filling positions are filled such that each of the containers contains a required volume of liquid at the end of the filling phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Patent number: 8602070
    Abstract: A device for filling containers includes an arrangement (7) for feeding filling material to at least one dosing system (5) forming a flow path (27) containing a dosing valve (29) that can be opened at least for the duration of the dosing processes to distribute the dosing amounts of the filling material via at least one filling line (9) into relevant containers. The dosing system (5) has an element (31, 33, 43) disposed in the flow path (27) downstream of the dosing valve (29) for selectively producing a suction effect in the flow path (27). A control mechanism (39) activates the element (31, 33, 43) producing the suction effect. Dosing processes are completed by closing the dosing valve (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Bernd Hansen
  • Patent number: 8474493
    Abstract: A liquid apportionment device having a distribution chamber located within a dispensing chamber, the distribution chamber being mounted onto a pedestal member such that a dispensing channel is defined between the sloping wall of the pedestal and the wall of the dispensing chamber. Dispensing spouts are evenly positioned around the dispensing channel for dispersal of the liquid into individual containers. Three rows of evenly spaced distribution apertures are provided in the distribution chamber, with the top row of distribution apertures oriented horizontally, the middle row of distribution apertures being oriented at 45 degrees, and the bottom row of distribution apertures being oriented vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: William F. Coker
  • Patent number: 8220505
    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: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: MannKind Corporation
    Inventors: Trent A. Poole, David F. Bonneau, Per B. Fog
  • Patent number: 8122847
    Abstract: There is a system for filling holes in a printed circuit board with a fluid fill material. The system receives a printed circuit board vertically within a main body. There is a dispensing head for selectively dispensing a fill material onto the vertically placed circuit board, the dispensing head having a plurality of holes. A feeding reservoir contains the fill material, and the feeding reservoir has a first end and a second end. An outlet system comprises a flow line connected to the first end of the feeding reservoir, and the flow line provides a flow path for the fill material from the first end of the feeding reservoir to the dispensing head. The flow line is attached to a manifold connected to the dispensing head, the manifold including connectors between the branches and with the absence of 90° elbows in the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: TTM Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadd Hohlfelder, Brad Moran, Rubin Matthews, Thomas Gannon
  • Patent number: 8082956
    Abstract: A system for charging and/or recharging containers with fluid is provided. The system includes a bottle assembly having a body portion defining a cavity therein, and a valve assembly configured and adapted to open and close a fluid path into the cavity of the body portion; a fluid supply valve assembly for supplying fluid to the valve assembly of the bottle assembly to deliver fluid to the cavity of the body portion; and a fluid supply assembly fluidly connected to the fluid supply valve assembly for delivering fluid thereto. Accordingly, when the bottle assembly is operatively connected to the fluid supply valve assembly, the valve assembly of the bottle assembly actuates the fluid supply valve assembly to the open condition to permit fluid flow into the cavity of the body portion of the bottle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: David Mitchell Windmiller
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7942170
    Abstract: An installation for packaging a product in receptacles. The installation includes a series of filler stations each having a filler spout having a spout body with a top end connected to a filler spout feed duct and a bottom end provided with an orifice fitted with a controlled valve. The filler spout is fitted with a looping duct opening into the spout body above the controlled valve and connected by a link member to a general feed duct at a point between a stop valve and an isolation valve. A purge valve is connected to the general feed duct between the isolation valve and the link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Bertrand Gruson
  • Patent number: 7882860
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the filling syringes. One medical apparatus in accordance with the present invention include a body member for releasably holding syringe barrels and an actuator apparatus slidably mounted on the body member to engage syringe plungers to cause the syringe plunger to be retracted. A fluid delivery apparatus is releasably mounted to the body member. The fluid delivery apparatus has an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. The inlet port is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of outlet ports. One method for filling a plurality of syringes in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of mounting a plurality a syringes to a syringe holding member and connecting a fluid delivery apparatus to the syringe holding member to mate with each of the tips of the syringe barrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory A. Spitz
  • Publication number: 20100326566
    Abstract: There is a system for filling holes in a printed circuit board with a fluid fill material. The system receives a printed circuit board vertically within a main body. There is a dispensing head for selectively dispensing a fill material onto the vertically placed circuit board, the dispensing head having a plurality of holes. A feeding reservoir contains the fill material, and the feeding reservoir has a first end and a second end. An outlet system comprises a flow line connected to the first end of the feeding reservoir, and the flow line provides a flow path for the fill material from the first end of the feeding reservoir to the dispensing head. The flow line is attached to a manifold connected to the dispensing head, the manifold including connectors between the branches and with the absence of 90° elbows in the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: TTM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Tadd Hohlfelder, Brad Moran, Rubin Matthews, Thomas Gannon
  • Patent number: 7699080
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a medium to containers may include a distribution chamber which is arranged with respect to a rotation axis and which has a plurality of openings through which the medium can be guided out of the distribution chamber. A sleeve may be arranged on the distribution chamber, wherein the sleeve extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the distribution chamber. According to the invention, the apparatus has a supply tube for supplying the medium to the distribution chamber. Furthermore, the supply tube extends at least partially in the direction of the rotation axis of the distribution chamber, and the sleeve is designed such that it can rotate with respect to the supply tube. A gap through which the medium can pass is formed between the sleeve and the supply tube and extends in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Berthold Burgmeier, Manfred Schmid
  • Patent number: 7628182
    Abstract: A modular multi-port manifold and fuel delivery system includes a plurality of ports in fluid communication with corresponding compartments of a fuel delivery vehicle, a collector conduit common to the ports, a control valve associated with each port to control flow of the fuel product from the associated compartment to the collector conduit to deliver the product, and a control system for operating each of the control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor J. Poulter, Francis V. Stemporzewski, Jr., Kevin K. Nussair
  • Patent number: 7621302
    Abstract: In a system including a gas source, a target cylinder for receiving gas, a conduit for carrying gas, and a valve for controlling the flow of gas, a method of dosing the target cylinder with gas is disclosed. The method comprises the step of calculating a mass flow rate for dosing the conduit and the target cylinder. The valve is biased to an open position to permit gas to flow through the conduit and into the target cylinder. The mass flow rate and the cumulative mass of gas flowing through the conduit are measured using a mass flow meter. The valve is biased to maintain the measured mass flow rate of gas flowing through the conduit substantially equivalent to the calculated mass flow rate. The valve is biased to a closed position once the measured cumulative mass of gas is substantially equivalent to the pre-determined mass of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Airgas, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Shock, James Gruenbacher, Steven Weiss
  • Patent number: 7571747
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the filling syringes. One medical apparatus in accordance with the present invention include a body member for releasably holding syringe barrels and an actuator apparatus slidably mounted on the body member to engage syringe plungers to cause the syringe plunger to be retracted. A fluid delivery apparatus is releasably mounted to the body member. The fluid delivery apparatus has an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. The inlet port is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of outlet ports. One method for filling a plurality of syringes in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of mounting a plurality a syringes to a syringe holding member and connecting a fluid delivery apparatus to the syringe holding member to mate with each of the tips of the syringe barrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory A. Spitz
  • Patent number: 7465043
    Abstract: A liquid distribution unit for use between a container of a liquid and an apparatus supplied with said liquid, said liquid distribution unit includes a hollow body, a single inlet port provided in the hollow body for connection to the container, the hollow body being supplied with the liquid from the container via the single inlet port, and two or more outlet ports provided in the hollow body for feeding the liquid out from the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd
    Inventor: Hideki Sueoka
  • Patent number: 7461671
    Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic sample collector for liquids which are discharged from a chromatographic column, a dialysis apparatus, or a reaction container, for example, and are consecutively collected at a give volume division, a method for collecting samples of a liquid in a predefined chronological sequence, and uses of the inventive sample collector. The volume is divided by assigning one or several gas-permeable liquid barriers (4, 5) to each collection container (3). The sample collector can be produced as one piece which is for single use and is made of polypropylene, Teflon, or other suitable materials. The inventive sample collector has the advantage that it requires no source of energy and can be autoclaved and miniaturized, among other things. The design of the inventive sample collector makes it possible to keep the content of the collection containers free from oxygen or immediately freeze the liquid flowing into the collection containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignees: Humboldt-Universitaet Zu Berlin, L.U.M. GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Ehwald, Dietmar Lerche, Holger Woehlecke
  • Patent number: 7182110
    Abstract: Fluid dispensing system 10 dispenses a controlled measure of fluid stock from a stock source 10S into stock receptacles 10C during a fill cycle. Flow manifold 12 receives the stock for distribution to the receptacles. The fluid stock may be pressurized by a gravity pressure head or by stock pump 10P operating between the stock source and the manifold. A fill spout 10F protrudes through system housing 10H for passing the stock into each stock receptacle. Electric solenoids 16, are positioned in the flow paths for providing the controlled measure of fluid stock. Flow adjusters adjust the fluid flow to the desired controlled measure. Fill trays 10L and 10R extend along the lower side edges of the housing, and support the stock receptacles during the fill cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: John T. Roebuck
  • Patent number: 6669062
    Abstract: A multi-port cap dispenser for a liquid dispensing system including a liquid container which supplies liquid to a draw-off mechanism. A cap is removably mounted on the container for selectively closing the outlet opening thereof with the cap having a liquid passageway formed therein. The dip tube is fluidly connected to the lower end of the liquid passageway and extends downwardly into the liquid container. An adapter manifold is mounted on the upper end of the cap and has a plurality of discharge passageways formed therein which are in fluid communication with a, liquid compartment formed in the adapter manifold. The adapter manifold has a hollow take-off member positioned above each of the discharge passageways which is in fluid communication with the associated discharge passageways. Each of the hollow take-off members or ports have a dispensing tube secured thereto which extends to a draw-off mechanism such as a dispenser, mixing machine, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 6357495
    Abstract: In a device for filling a blister band with products, a hopper (3) holds the products (2) in bulk and has a open bottom where taking over rollers (17) rotate to slightly push the products upwards, contrasting the products weight and causing reciprocal detachment of the products. The taking over rollers (17) define openings, and one product (2) at a time passes suitably oriented through each opening and towards a conveyor including channels (4) having inlets (4a) situated directly under the openings. A delivering cylinder (7) is connected to the channels (4) and transfers the products (2) to the blisters (5a) of the band 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ivano Baroncini
  • Patent number: 6176277
    Abstract: A device for filling a pharmaceutical fluid into vials has a product container, which is connected to a distributor by way of a first line. Filling lines branch from the distributor and have filling valves for the individual vials. In order to improve the filling precision, particularly with fluids that have a very temperature-dependent flow behavior, the invention discloses cooling the distributor via a coolant so that during the filling procedures, the fluid has a substantially constant temperature. That substantially constant temperature then forms the basis underlying the calculation of the triggering time of the filling valves by a control unit with greater precision than is shown in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Mayer
  • Patent number: 6170540
    Abstract: The high speed depositor allows the manufacturing plant, e.g., a modern large bakery, to double the production of the batter, filling and icing lines. The depositor is comprised of a food quality positive displacement pump, a high torque stepping motor, a microprocessor based controller and a depositing manifold with individual valves. Other supporting apparatus, which are inputs and outputs of the controller, include a rotary encoder to measure the degrees of revolution of the pump, an air solenoid valve to apply air (motive force) to the stepping motor and an on/off switch to start and stop the depositing operation. Each nozzle on the depositing manifold has a flow control device to equalize the flow and therefore each cup weight of product deposited into the baking pan. A feed tank or hopper supplies a constant flow of product to the suction of the depositor pump. The manifold is typically mounted a few inches above a conveyor which carries baking pans underneath the manifold nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen Gilbert Romero
  • Patent number: 6105634
    Abstract: A device for filling packages (10) with flowable products in low germ level conditions in a clean room (9) is described, with a product line (26), a filler valve (11) and a filler pipe (8) projecting into the clean room (9). In order that filling, with a low level of germs, of flowable contents into packages (10) is made possible without formation of condensation on filler pipes (8) and preferably in addition cleaning of the device directly in place without a great deal of assembly, the filler pipe (8), in its inlet area on the inlet aperture (15) in the top surface (14) of the clean room (9) is surrounded by a sleeve pipe (28) fitted at a distance coaxially, with inflow apertures (29) for air which is dry and has a low level of germs, and means (2-7) for producing and supplying the air which is dry and has a low level of germs are provided in the inflow apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Udo Liebram, Peter Sattler
  • Patent number: 6035905
    Abstract: A multi-compartment container is charged with a plurality of doses of powdered medicament so that the volume of each dose is than that of the respective compartments in which it is contained. A respective protuberance is inserted into each respective compartment, which is then filled with medicament and the protuberance is then removed. The container may take the form of an apertured plate, in which case the filling step can be achieved by placing the container on a porous bed and in communication with a reservoir of particulate material, and then passing gas through the reservoir, the apertures in the container and the bed. There is also shown apparatus for performing the method, the apparatus comprising a reservoir for the particulate material and a conduit for relaying particulate material from the reservoir to the compartments, the conduit including protuberances which are insertable into the compartments to reduce the available volume of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Merck Patent Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: David Peter Griffin
  • Patent number: 5911253
    Abstract: The invention provides a container dispensing apparatus and a liquid dispensing apparatus. The container dispenser includes a housing, axial bores for receiving a column of containers and a central, axial bore, a vertical bar attached to and uprising from the housing, upright legs that are attached to the peripheral wall of the housing, a cover being positioned above the housing and having a number of downwardly extending rods and a downwardly extending, central pipe, a guide for the vertical bar attached to the cover, a pair of friction pads separating the guide for the vertical bar from the vertical bar while acting as a reenforceable break to allow lifting and lowering of the cover along the vertical bar, a handle engaged with the vertical bar, a fulcrum that is attached to the cover and that is engaged with and supports the handle. The liquid dispenser has a housing with a side wall and a bottom wall. The bottom wall is provided with a number of liquid dispensing openings that are selectively positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: James Elmer Webb
  • Patent number: 5823234
    Abstract: A filling machine for filling liquid into containers (10) has a filling valve (25) for each container (10), which valve is actuated by a control device (19) by means of a trigger pulse (Z). In order to increase the precision of the liquid quantity (M (is)) filled into the containers (10) with regard to a desired fill quantity (M), it is proposed that the control device (19) adds up partial volumes (.DELTA.M), which are produced as a function of liquid pressures (P1) measured, the time intervals (.DELTA.t) between the individual pressure measurements, and a pressure/through flow characteristic curve of the filling valves (25). As soon as the sum of the partial volumes (.DELTA.M) has exceeded a limit fill quantity (M (max)), the control device (19) stops the trigger signal (Z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Boertz
  • Patent number: 5813444
    Abstract: A method for filling containers utilizing at least two filling members. The containers to be filled are placed in a receptacle and at least two filling members are placed over the containers with the apertures of the filling members corresponding to the openings of the containers to be filled. Particulate matter is then disposed on top of the filling members and passed through the apertures in the filling members filling the containers below. A scraper is used to push and/or pull the particulate matter off of one filling member onto the other filling member. The now clean filling member is removed and the containers which are now filled with particulate matter are removed as well. The particulate matter is then moved from the second filling member onto the first in order to fill the new containers under it. The second filling member now being cleared of particulate matter is removed and the containers under it which are now filled are then removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Donald P. Cashion
  • Patent number: 5701937
    Abstract: Provided is a closed fluid distribution system with manifold devices for aseptically distributing fluids in conduits from a controlled atmosphere zone for production of the fluids to collapsible storage containers located outside the zone. The manifold device facilitates filling of a plurality of containers with one or several compartments. The invention is especially advantageous when regarding that the system can be used for aseptically filling both one-, two- or three-compartment containers for storage, with possibilities of switching between the types of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Pharmacia & Upjohn Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Yves Bourboulou, Micheline Boucheteil, Celine Philippon, Jean Tronchet
  • Patent number: 5522438
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a liquid includes a holding tank for holding a quantity of liquid and a plurality of filler pipes connected to the holding tank. A plurality of filler valves are provided, each filler valve corresponding to one of the plurality of filler pipes. A flowmeter is provided, located between the holding tank and one of the filler valves in one of the plurality of filler pipes, for generating a signal after a predetermined amount of liquid has flowed through the filler pipe. A device, responsive to the signal generated by the flowmeter, is provided for closing the plurality of filler valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Tetra Brik Research & Development SPA
    Inventors: Per Gustafsson, Paolo Fontanazzi
  • Patent number: 5522439
    Abstract: For filling containers with a liquid product, the product is fed from a storage container to a manifold to which volume containers of given volumetric capacity are connected, and from which the product is fed to the containers. The outlets of the volume containers are fitted with point valves and the containers and the valves are blown clean by means of a stream of inert gas, so as to eliminate subsequent dripping of product therefrom. Remaining product which is not introduced into the volume containers is displaced by means of a gas stream to a collecting container and from there back to the storage container. The filled containers are advanced in a conveyor in a manner in which the containers are gently accelerated in their movement to a container sealing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: AB IMIA Development
    Inventors: Ivan Hakansson, Lajos Petho
  • Patent number: 5404922
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a dispensing manifold for repetitiously, timely, effeciently and evenly dispensing equivalent amounts of a gelatin-based solution into at least one container. The dispensing manifold includes a horizontal tubular member having a plurality of dispensing nipples mounted laterally thereon. A plurality of discrete dispensing areas are positioned along the tubular member wherein each dispensing area is comprised of one or more dispensing nipples. The design of the dispensing manifold and arrangement of the dispensing nipples allows for equal sized discharges of gelatin-based solution at each dispensing area, wherein the pressure differential remains constant at each discharge area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Spencer Sliter
  • Patent number: 5295523
    Abstract: Package or container product filling apparatus that can easily be disassembled for cleaning and reassembled comprises a hopper and manifold to supply a plurality of package dosing filling tubes in turn insertable in multiple packages simultaneously. The manifold supplies a plurality of flexible tubes leading to a plurality of bellows type reciprocable dosing pumps. The dosing pumps in turn supply product through flexible tubes to the filling tubes. Any parts through which product passes or contacts are simply connected requiring no tools for disassembly or assembly. The bellows chambers and check valves of the dosing pumps are constructed of inexpensive plastic and discarded when the apparatus is disassembled for cleaning because they are relatively difficult to clean with absolute assurance that no product remains to contaminate a subsequent different product. The remaining mechanical portions of the dosing pumps do not contact the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Aliseo Gentile
  • Patent number: 5188156
    Abstract: An apparatus to include a storage container arranged for vertical mounting to a support surface, wherein the storage container mounts an outlet conduit and valve associated therewith. The container is provided with a cavity to receive and store a fluid-receiving pan container permitting ease of disposal of waste oil from an associated vehicular oil change. Waste oil containers are thereafter positioned below the storage container conduit to receive the waste oil for subsequent recycling. A modification of the invention includes a first and second storage container mounted to opposed side walls of the primary storage container to include respective granular absorbing material and saturated oil absorbing material respectively. An underlying tray is positioned below a manifold mounted to the container conduit for permitting filling of a plurality of waste oil containers simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: Mike Littlepage
  • Patent number: 5139059
    Abstract: A device for simultaneously filling a plurality of prefabricated cup-like containers having the same height with creamy food compositions, said device consisting of an outer frame which is higher than the upper edge of the containers, and of a cover plate which has a plurality of round openings (wells) conforming to the maximum diameter of the containers, said wells carrying tubular downward extensions which are longer by at least 3 mm, and preferably by 10 mm, than the difference between the height of the containers and the height of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Dohler GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Dierkes, Manfred Gartner
  • Patent number: 5110555
    Abstract: An inoculation device preferably for use in the testing of a fluid sample such as urine. The device includes a capillary flow system which allows for immediate and contemporaneous inoculation of a plurality of reagent pads forming part of a test substrate. The flow system includes a plurality of nozzles and a support structure which directs flow into the individual reagent pads while avoiding cross-contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Miles Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Moore, Kerry Wilson
  • Patent number: 4921021
    Abstract: A filler pipe for a packing machine for consecutively filling a traveling and continuous series of connected packing container blanks, with a liquid product such as yogurt, and a separate jam product, without mixing the two types of product. This filler pipe is used in conjunction with blanks formed of two joined webs and provides sealing of the filled packing containers. The invention utilizes a nozzle with multiple filling paths each of which passes product to at least one of the packing container blanks. The nozzle receives the liquid product from a flat shaped larger delivery pipe, and the jam product from a smaller delivery pipe parallel to the larger pipe. The smaller pipe, which may be located inside or on the outer wall of the large pipe, is placed at a predetermined distance above the junction of the larger delivery pipe and the nozzle. In this way each container is first filled with its share of jam product and then with the liquid (yogurt) product with no mixing of the two products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: AB Tetra Pak
    Inventor: Sven A. Andersson
  • Patent number: 4879431
    Abstract: A multi-layered cell harvester having a multi-layered top section and multi-layered bottom section with holes and channels formed in the multiple layers along with vacuum and wash manifolds is provided for removing, filtering and washing the contents from test tubes in a standard test tube rack. The novel multi-layered cell harvester precisely controls an equal volume of wash fluid or reagent to the test tubes and each of the filter areas on a sheet of filter paper areas on a sheet of filter paper by utilizing a wash fluid or reagent reservoir having a purge means and wash channels of equal length formed in the multi layers from the reservoir to the tip of each wash needle where the diameter of each wash channel is the same, or by increasing the diameter of some of the wash channels or a combination thereof. The multi-layered cell harvester can include provisions for separately handling radioactive materials and saving the mother liquid and wash fluids or reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Biomedical Research and Development Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Bertoncini
  • Patent number: 4872491
    Abstract: A system is described for changing over propellant feeds to an aerosol can filling operation and for servicing filling heads without venting propellant to atmosphere. Instead, the propellant is collected in a scrap salvage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: CCL Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Barry E. Nickason, Orazio DiGirolamo
  • Patent number: 4830066
    Abstract: A device for filling and emptying pressure gas cylinders includes a manifold attached to the pallet via a shut-off valve. The fill and emptying stations are provided with nipples connected by a hose to one of the pressure gas cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Messer Griesheim GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz D. Dresen, Siegbert Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4829002
    Abstract: A system for metering nutrient media to cell culture containers includes a media flow conduit which defines at one end means for substantially aseptic communication with the source of the media. In a preferred embodiment, sterile connectors may be used for essentially sterile conditions. A branch conduit extends from the flow conduit at a location spaced from the ends. The branch conduit communicates with means for receiving a predetermined-volume aliquot of media through the media flow conduit from said one end. The flow conduit also defines a portion downstream from the branch conduit, which communicates with at least one cell culture container, each container being a flexible bag. At least part of the flexible bag is made of a material capable of providing at least 2 times the oxygen diffusion and at least 2 times the carbon dioxide diffusion between the bag interior and exterior, compared with an identically-sized, sealed bag having polyethylene walls 0.013 inch thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Martha C. Pattillo, David V. Bacehowski, Arnold C. Bilstad, Herbert M. Cullis, T. Michael Dennehey, James W. Yang, William C. Brown
  • Patent number: 4817685
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for stirring an explosive materials mixture maintained in a molten state to ensure homogeneity of its composition and for simultaneous transfer of predetermined quantities thereof, by effecting the transfers primarily in a horizontal direction, via a plurality of positive displacement piston-cylinder mechanisms and a corresponding plurality of pneumatically controlled spool valves for injection into a plurality of munitions items through detachable intermediate distribution elements that also serve as temporary risers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Peter Skerchock, Lawrence Honablew, Antonio Caldrelli, LeRoy D. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4754786
    Abstract: A disposable apparatus for sterilizing fluid and dispensing it includes a bag, a filter element, a conduit element, and a plurality of dispensing elements serially communicating with each other for providing a sterile fluid dispensing path that can be serially opened and closed. Methods are also provided for filling such apparatus in conjunction with a closed environment of an assembly having at least one mixing vessel, a reservoir container, a filling area, a filter element, and a plurality of storage elements interfacing the filling area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: Roderick Roberts
  • Patent number: 4685480
    Abstract: An improved combined washer and aspirator device comprises improved tips, tip seals, reaction well seals and a frame. The improved device reduces the amount of manual dexterity required of a laboratory technologist to wash beads in reaction wells used in diagnostic immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Paul L. Eck