With Baffle, Spreader, Displacer, Drip Ring, Filter Or Screen Patents (Class 141/286)
  • Patent number: 5603359
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a material in a container which is exposed to various weather conditions, including rain. The container includes a spreader for distributing the material within the container, as well as a rain shielding member extending from the container for inhibiting the flow of rain along a converging portion of the container. The method includes forming the container having a cover, a sidewall member, a converging portion connected to an outlet portion and a rain shielding member. Thereafter, during a rainfall, the flow of rain is deflected along the cover and the sidewall member away from the converging portion to maintain the converging portion of the container in a substantially dry condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Geiser
  • Patent number: 5601126
    Abstract: A vessel for transferring and dispensing liquid which simultaneously recovers essentially all of the vent gas from the vessel being filled with liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Michael W. Schrepfer, Lee A. Schoon
  • Patent number: 5595222
    Abstract: A fuel cap retainer and gas tank cap for a fuel tank filler tube is disclosed in which the fuel tank filler tube is sealed if the gas tank cap is not properly installed on the fuel cap retainer and when properly installed permits vapor pressure equalization in the fuel cap retainer. A baffle plate extends across the fuel tank filler tube near a distal end of the fuel tank filler tube. The baffle plate has a refueling opening into which a fuel filler nozzle is adapted to be received and a valve opening. A flap valve is spring biased into a closed position sealing the refueling opening. A movable valve element is associated with the valve opening and biased to a closed position in which the valve element seals the valve opening. The movable valve element is shiftable to an open position in which the valve element permits fluid flow through the opening. The gas tank cap has a structural element for holding the movable valve element in the open position only when the gas tank cap is properly installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Robert H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5590698
    Abstract: A fill spout that allows you to fill a liquid fuel tank. This design allows you to recapture overfill regardless of ovenrun or overfill running backward up the vent tube in most of today's tanks, thus, helping to prevent petroleum spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Gerald Whitley
    Inventors: Gerald E. Whitley, Mary F. Whitley
  • Patent number: 5569375
    Abstract: A closed filtration system for transporting a liquid from a first container through a filter to a second container by the injection of gas under pressure into the first container. The container's filter and fluid conduit are attached to a common housing. The housing is provided with gas and liquid channels for each container. Ingress and egress tubes extend from the channels into the containers to permit the transfer of liquid from the first container to the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Kent Ridgeway
  • Patent number: 5564825
    Abstract: A mixer for mixing and blending fluids within a vessel includes a passageway through which fluid is dispensed within the vessel and a flow diverter spaced from the passageway. Fluid impinges on the flow diverter and is directed toward the walls of the vessel. The diverter includes holes that produce jets of fluid generally parallel to the walls of the vessel to induce shear and turbulence within the fluid in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Shrader Canada Limited
    Inventor: R. Douglas Burt
  • Patent number: 5544686
    Abstract: A dust control system and method for controlling the dust emitted into the atmosphere while dumping grain at a pit at grain elevators. The system includes a plurality of sections, including metering sections with sensing device and dump sections with louvers in each section which are opened and closed in response to predetermined signals. The predetermined signals may be electrically generated or manually applied to ensure that the proper louvers are opened or closed so that the air and dust in the pit does not escape into the atmosphere during the unloading of grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Agricultural Building Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Kearney
  • Patent number: 5538055
    Abstract: Tank closure with a self-locking closure apparatus arranged at the orifice rim of a pour-in socket-piece. The closure apparatus consists of a closure part and a pour-in opening which is closable by means of the closure part. Between the rim of the opening and a refueling nozzle to be introduced a gas outlet gap remains for the gases which escape when refueling the tank. A guide is provided for reception of the refueling nozzle. In order to free the exiting gases from fluid droplets, it is provided that the guide exhibits a reduced-scale segment closely surrounding the refueling nozzle. Exit openings are provided at the side of the reduced-scale segment which is placed toward the pour-in socket-piece, through which the gases pass out of the guide to the outside. Inlet openings are arranged at the side of the reduced-scale segment which faces away from the tank, through which the gases in the interior of the guide enter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Temetec Fahrzeugtechnik Entwicklungsgesellschaft MbH
    Inventors: Georg Kunz, Angelika B. M. Temmesfeld
  • Patent number: 5529095
    Abstract: A distribution system for a tobacco press is disclosed which includes a distribution conveyor system 50 and distributor blade assembly that includes a first blade mechanism B and a second blade mechanism C. The blade mechanisms are disposed in upper and lower hopper portions 80a, 80b, and distribute tobacco into a charger 30a. The charger includes a vertical chute 32a and an internal container 34a which inserts into a tobacco container 22a which tobacco is distributed and compressed by means of a press head 12a. First blade mechanism B includes a primary distributor blade 82 which can be moved in both a linear motion and a pivotal motion to primarily control the deflection and distribution of tobacco. Second blade mechanism C may include secondary distributor blades 94 and 96 which, when utilized in combination with primary distributor blade 82, provide for quadrant (a, b, c, d) distribution of tobacco into container 22a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventors: James D. Felts, Paul R. Sexton
  • Patent number: 5526961
    Abstract: An improved actuator probe assembly is provided for a bottled water station of the type having an actuator probe for engaging and opening a valved bottle cap on an inverted water bottle. The probe assembly comprises an inner support funnel and an outer adapter sleeve retained by a probe fitting in assembled relation with a cover plate adapted for mounting onto a station housing in a position over an upwardly open water reservoir. The support funnel extends downwardly through a central opening in the cover plate and defines a cup-shaped receiver structure for receiving and supporting an inverted water bottle, with the probe fitting positioned at a lower end of the support funnel and including the actuator probe. The adapter sleeve is carried about the support funnel and includes an outwardly radiating diaphragm member for closing the top of the reservoir when the cover plate is installed onto the station housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Ebtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • Patent number: 5507324
    Abstract: A fuel filling assembly for liquid fuel tanks, especially on boats or the like, includes a fill tube adapted for mounting through a deck and a closure cap preferably hinged over the fill tube opening for selective opening and closing. Preferably, a positioning member allows the closure cap to be mounted in various positions with respect to the fill tube to accommodate various mounting locations on a boat. The fill tube may be angled or straight to further accommodate varied mounting positions. In one version, a separate vent tube joins the fill tube to provide continuous fuel tank venting, pressure equalization and return of fuel overflow to the fuel tank in case of tank overfill. In the vented version, a rigid shield on the closure cap extends over the opening to a vent passageway through the cap to restrict the escape of liquid fuel in the event of fuel surge due to extreme boat movements or the like when the closure cap is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Attwood Corporation
    Inventors: Warwick M. Whitley, II, Donald L. Clark
  • Patent number: 5503199
    Abstract: A fuel filling assembly for liquid fuel tanks, especially on boats or the like, includes a fill tube adapted for mounting through a deck and a closure cap preferably hinged over the fill tube opening for selective opening and closing. Preferably, a positioning member allows the closure cap to be mounted in various positions with respect to the fill tube to accommodate various mounting locations on a boat. The fill tube may be angled or straight to further accommodate varied mounting positions. In one version, a separate vent tube joins the fill tube to provide continuous fuel tank venting, pressure equalization and return of fuel overflow to the fuel tank in case of tank overfill. In the vented version, a flexible valve member on the closure cap closes a vent passageway through the cap in the event of fuel surge due to extreme boat movements or the like when the closure cap is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Attwood Corporation
    Inventors: Warwick M. Whitley, II, Donald L. Clark
  • Patent number: 5490545
    Abstract: A vortex connector system has a connector body with a projection therein to selectively abut one of a plurality of removable inserts. The removable inserts have holes with different sizes, shapes, patterns, depths, and numbers in order to allow observation of how such variations affect the vortex effect and/or flow rate of fluid between plastic bottles connected by the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Michael D. Sokoloff
    Inventors: Michael D. Sokoloff, Randy A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5474113
    Abstract: A can filling machine having an improved mechanism to prevent overfill of the can. The machine includes a group of filling heads mounted on a rotatable turntable, and each head includes an outer tubular housing having an open upper end that communicates with a reservoir of the liquid, such as a beverage, which is intended to introduced into the can. A can is moved upwardly and is sealed against a cylindrical tulip that is mounted outwardly of the housing. A fill tube is mounted concentrically within the housing and the space between the fill tube and the housing defines an annular flow chamber for the liquid. Located concentrically within the fill tube is an air vent tube and the lower end of the air vent tube communicates with the can. The lower end of the fill tube carries a valve which is adapted to engage a valve seat on the lower end of the housing. Located in the lower end of the annular flow chamber is a stack of horizontal discs which are spaced vertically apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: H & K Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: Friedrich Rademacher, Scott D. Mau
  • Patent number: 5469898
    Abstract: A gas tank evacuator (10) comprises an evacuator housing (12) into which a neck (80) of a gas tank (82) can be screwed and an elongated valve-removal rod (14) for slidably passing through the evacuator housing and engaging and unscrewing a stem-actuated valve (88) of the gas tank. An elongated valve actuator pin (18) slidably passes through the valve-removal rod to extend from lower and upper ends of the valve-removal rod for independently actuating the stem-actuated valve. The valve-removal rod is moved longitudinally by a valve-removal-rod lever (16) which is pivotally attached to the evacuator housing and valve-removal rod by pivot links (60). The valve-removal-rod lever is pivoted on the evacuator housing to drive a valve-engaging device at a lower end of the valve-removal rod into engagement with the-stem-actuated valve of the gas tank for its removal from the gas tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Michael C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5437655
    Abstract: A burette top vent which resists air blockage includes a peripherally skirted cap having a generally planar circular base transfixed by a short integral tube having an upper portion to which tubing from a source of fluid may be attached and a lower portion from which fluid can drip into the burette. The base is perforated by an array of arcuate slots that permit air to enter the burette, and the bottom surface of the base has a shallow annular relief intersecting the slots. A ring-shaped hydrophobic filter disk hermetically affixed beneath the relief. The relief prevents the filter disk from lying flush against the bottom surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: B. Braun Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5431205
    Abstract: A dispensing system for bottled liquids includes a bottle cap having a slide valve biased by a spring to a closed position. The cap includes internal threads and an internal groove for engagement with both threaded and snap-on type closure bottles. A valve actuator includes a breather ring having a skirt provided with a gasket for sealing engagement with a rim of a crock. An air filter connected to the breather ring forms an airway for venting ambient air into the crock and bottle. A bottle neck seal having an internal frusto-conical seat portion includes an annular stepped outer surface for engagement with a complementary formed internal stepped surface on the breather ring. A valve actuating funnel includes a flared end portion terminating in an annular flange secured by screws to the breather ring. A tubular extension of the funnel extending downwardly within the crock terminates in a floor provided with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced liquid outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Albert W. Gebhard
  • Patent number: 5421380
    Abstract: A gas tank evacuator (10) comprises an evacuator housing (12) into which a neck (80) of a gas tank (82) can be screwed and an elongated valve-removal rod (14) for slidably passing through the evacuator housing and engaging and unscrewing a stem-actuated valve (88) of the gas tank. An elongated valve actuator pin (18) slidably passes through the valve-removal rod to extend from lower and upper ends of the valve-removal rod for independently actuating the stem-actuated valve. The valve-removal rod is moved longitudinally by a valve-removal-rod lever (16) which is pivotally attached to the evacuator housing and valve-removal rod by pivot links (60). The valve-removal-rod lever is pivoted on the evacuator housing to drive a valve-engaging device at a lower end of the valve-removal rod into engagement with the stem-actuated valve of the gas tank for its removal from the gas tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Michael C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5421379
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing granular material within a container. The apparatus includes a base member for uniformly distributing the granular material within the container by absorbing momentum from the inflow of the granular material. The method includes forming at least two flow paths for the inflow of granular material and then changing the flow of granular material through each of the flow paths to cause a substantially even distribution of granular material within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: CTB Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Geiser
  • Patent number: 5417255
    Abstract: A row of open top containers travelling on a conveyor is purged of oxygen by passing the containers along a gas distribution manifold disposed parallel to the direction of travel of the containers. The manifold includes at least one region of lower flow resistance disposed parallel to the direction of travel, for supplying a higher velocity inert gas flushing stream continuously and at substantially steady state to the containers. The manifold also includes at least one region of higher flow resistance disposed parallel to the direction of travel, for supplying a lower velocity inert gas region along the containers, continuously and at substantially steady state. As the containers pass along the manifold, the inert flushing gas steadily removes oxygen from the containers, while the lower velocity inert gas region prevents the flushing gas from drawing in air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventors: James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo
  • Patent number: 5385179
    Abstract: A method is provided for installing a nozzle restrictor assembly in a fuel filler tube. The method comprises the steps of attaching a restrictor plate to an inner surface of the fuel filler tube, coating the restrictor plate and the fuel filler tube, and inserting a closure plate through a first slot formed in the restrictor plate so that the closure plate is positioned to block the opening. A nozzle restrictor assembly is also provided which comprises a restrictor plate sized for insertion into a fuel filler tube and a mechanism for selectively closing an opening formed in the restrictor plate upon withdrawal of a fuel filler nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Pilot Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Bates, Daniel N. Smith, Richard F. Little
  • Patent number: 5381836
    Abstract: A system for delivery of volatile liquid drugs as supplied to a patient by an anaesthetic vaporizer comprises a supply container (2) and a vaporizer (32) which includes a sump. Each of the supply container and the vaporizer is provided with a valve assembly (6, 34) which, when closed, prevent passage of fluid from the supply container into the sump. The supply container and the sump are connected to one another by means of a bayonet connection, which is made when indexing elements on the containers correspond. The valve assemblies in the containers are opened when the containers are connected to one another by means of an insert (40) located within an inlet conduit (10) linking the two containers.The inlet conduit (10) is rotatable between lowered and raised positions, to open a valve (37) by which flow of fluid into and out of a reservoir for fluid in the sump can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventors: Robert E. Braatz, Raymond S. Gregory, Robert A. Heaton, Keith Whitaker, David C. Sampson
  • Patent number: 5375631
    Abstract: A core-material container constituted of a container main body whose opening is covered with a sheet-like lid member made of an air-permeable material. In order to charge powder core material through a core-material charging inlet uniformly as well as densely, the charging operation of the core material is carried out in the following manner: housing the core material container in a housing space formed by a positioning guide and a plate member; releasing air from a suction outlet, thereby making the core-material charging inlet adhere around a nozzle; releasing air located inside a sealed space enclosed by an upper frame and a lower frame through an air outlet; and charging the core material through the nozzle while evacuating the core material container. Thus, the core material is uniformly charged by air flows caused by the air release, and the charge is densely carried out since air contained in the core material is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 5375633
    Abstract: A fuel filler pipe assembly is provided which controls the release of fuel vapors from a vehicle fuel tank so as to limit the amount of fuel vapor released into the atmosphere. The assembly includes an outer tube which is partitioned into two conduits--one for carrying fuel to the vehicle's fuel tank and the other for carrying fuel vapors to an on board vapor capture device. Passage of fuel vapors to the vapor capture device is controlled by a valve which itself is controlled by the attachment and detachment of a fuel filler cap to the assembly such that attachment of the cap causes the valve to close while detachment causes it to open. In certain preferred embodiments, the assembly includes a second valve for preventing the passage of substantial quantities of liquid fuel to the vapor capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Whitehead Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Bucci
  • Patent number: 5365985
    Abstract: A vapor guard mounted on a gasoline dispenser nozzle includes a collapsible resilient section which provides a limited expansion force enabling the use of a standard gasoline dispenser retainer spring to catch on the vehicle fill pipe flange for hands-free fuel dispensing and straight-pull removal. The expansion force of the collapsible resilient section also is limited to ensure the existence of non-sealing contact between the end of the vapor guard and the fill pipe flange. The vapor guard is sized and positioned on the dispenser to enable the user to see the end of the nozzle as it is inserted into the vehicle fill pipe and aligned with a nozzle port in a restricter plate located in the fill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Todd, William H. Constantine
  • Patent number: 5360040
    Abstract: A fuel tank having a fuel filler pipe, the filler pipe having a first end receiving fuel and a second end communicating with the interior of the tank; and a pervious conduit attached to the second end and extending into the tank below the fuel surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: John E. Thorn, Daniel R. Clayton
  • Patent number: 5332012
    Abstract: Apparatus for delivering flowable bulk material such as grain, substantially free of dust into a receptacle, such as a vehicle, wherein the grain is delivered through a filter assembly to a chute which can be elongated and contracted and which has a lower end for connection to the vehicle. The filter assembly is also capable of assuming elongated and contracted states in order to confer a greater free height below the lower end of the chute. The filter assembly is formed with an outside filter housing capable of being elongated and contracted and within the filter housing is a suction chamber downstream of which, one or more filter bags are provided to separate dust from suctioned air. The filter bags can be constructed to prevent radial and longitudinal collapse thereof, as well as to undergo contraction when the chute and filter housing are contracted. An inlet pipe can be provided within the bag to convey the grain to the chute and in the contracted state the chute surrounds the inlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Th. Rasmussen Molle - Og Maskinbyggeri A/S
    Inventor: Borge Svendsen
  • Patent number: 5323819
    Abstract: An overhead vacuum assembly for recovering, storing and dispensing flowable packaging material including a flexible storage bag having an open upper end for receiving flowable packaging material, a dispensing valve mounted at the lower end of the bag, a liner or frame for maintaining the perimeter shape of the flexible bag, a cover mounted at the open upper end of the flexible bag, a fan motor assembly, including a filter, mounted to the cover for creating a vacuum in the bag and a hose mounted to the cover. The filter acts as a deflector to evenly distribute the loose fill throughout the bag during the recovery process. The cover may have a pyramidal shape and tear-away panels for ease of maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Charles L. Shade
  • Patent number: 5320148
    Abstract: A retaining clip which maintains the bellows on a vapor recovery liquid dispensing system in a retracted position while fuel is pumped from the fueling tube of the vapor recovery liquid dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph Asciutto
  • Patent number: 5316056
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring powder from a bulk supply to a container comprising a first conduit 4 extending from a bulk supply 2 to the container 25, a second conduit 8 enabling the introduction of a purge gas into the container, a third conduit 28 enabling displaced gas to discharge from the container, a source of suction 17 communicating with the third conduit, a filter 13 through which passes the displaced gas, and an inflatable annulus 23 made of flexible material disposed round the conduits and adapted to enter into enter into engagement with the wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: L. E. Stott Limited
    Inventor: Leslie Stott
  • Patent number: 5314121
    Abstract: A discharge device for reducing foaming of liquid flowing from a conduit (3) into a body of liquid. The discharge device (3) contains at least a porous permeable body (6) including a core (12) and an annular layer (15). To cause during normal operation liquid to leave the porous permeable body (6) in the form of a liquid bell (18) the resistance to flow through the porous permeable body (6) in the direction of its central longitudinal axis (9) is larger than the resistance to flow through the porous permeable body (6) in lateral direction towards the side surface (17) of the porous permeable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Grahame Y. Buss, Wai L. Loh
  • Patent number: 5309961
    Abstract: Nozzles for filler pipes employed in packaging machines of the type which meter a certain quantity of contents, e.g. milk, into individual packages which are advanced stepwise and placed beneath the nozzle of the filler pipe. In order to avoid frothing of the contents, of the nozzle is manufactured from flexible material and includes one or more transverse rigidifying ribs which are of substantially triangular cross sectional configuration and which define two or more separate outlets. The outlets are covered by flaps which are opened by the contents when the contents are caused, with the aid of a metering pump, to flow out through the filler pipe so that the flow of contents is divided and directed towards the vertical walls of the package via which the contents flow down to the bottom of the package with a considerably reduced risk of frothing and spatter as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Rickard Franke, Bengt Bengtsson
  • Patent number: 5299605
    Abstract: A vapor recovery system for a fuel filling installation in which the recovered air-vapor mixture is pumped to the submerged end of a discharge pipe. The discharge pipe is connected to a closed tube which extends along the bottom of an underground fuel tank. The closed tube has a porosity that generates very small bubbles from the air-vapor mixture that flows through the fuel within the tank. A vent pipe for the underground tank separates air from the air-vapor mixture through decreasing density separation by means of a large cross-section for the vent pipe and by providing baffles in the pipe interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Nuovopignone-Industrie Meccaniche e Fonderia SpA
    Inventors: Giorgio Bergamini, Ernesto Paris
  • Patent number: 5295522
    Abstract: A reusable isolation enclosure has a closure member adapted for purging gases from the enclosure. The closure member includes filters and vapor and moisture drains. Replacement of ambient environmental gases in the sealed enclosure is provided. A purge gas is provided by the gas replacement system which quickly connects to the enclosure and quickly disconnects from the enclosure. Suction cups surrounding the ends of gas connection lines form the interface to the filter membrane and form a sealed connection with the closure member. No other mechanical connection than the suction cups is required. The outlets and inlets of the purging system and the exhausting system are automatically disconnected by a spring valve when the isolation container to be purged is removed. When the closure member of the isolation enclosure is placed upon the purge system the weight of the package compresses the valve spring opening the valves, permitting the purge gas to flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. DeAngelis, Gary M. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 5284187
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating powdered coal in a solid-fuel injection installation. Such an installation comprises a powdered coal storage bunker, at least one lock connected to the circuit for pneumatically transporting the coal, at least one filtering screen connected between each lock and the bunker, a pressurized inert-gas source for pressurizing each lock and forming the pneumatically propelled flow of the coal and a circuit for pressure-equalizing and depressurizing each lock through a filter. According to the present invention, the major portion of the inert gas for depressurizing each lock is subjected to a filtering operation before being injected through the bottom of the storage bunker into the mass of coal and being discharged through a filter at the top of the bunker. The residual portion of the inert depressurizing gas is shunted directly towards the top of the storage bunker. The present invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventor: Louis Schmit
  • Patent number: 5280813
    Abstract: A system and method for loading particulate material into a dispenser. This system includes a dispenser for receiving and dispensing particulate material, and a deflection assembly to deflect particulate material fed into the dispenser. The deflection assembly is located adjacent an inlet of the dispenser, and includes a deflection cone and a plurality of outside fins or ribs. In use, a supply of a particulate material is directed onto the deflection cone, and this cone and the ribs connected thereto then direct that material outward and around the interior of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Kraft General Foods Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Jackson
  • Patent number: 5275213
    Abstract: A liquid fuel tank filling and venting device including a hollow body member containing a chamber, an inlet opening for supplying fuel downwardly into the chamber, a fuel outlet opening for supplying fuel from the chamber, and an overflow opening connected with the chamber, each of the fuel outlet and overflow outlets being independently connected with the fuel tank, whereby overflow fuel is returned to the chamber via the overflow outlet. A fuel cap is provided for closing the inlet opening, the fuel cap containing a vent passageway including a removably mounted filter, so that the tank is continuously vented to atmosphere when the fuel cap is in either the open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Perko, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick M. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5255721
    Abstract: A liquid spillage control apparatus is disclosed having a liquid holding chamber divided by a partition into a liquid transfer portion and a liquid retaining portion. A liquid spill transfer pipe connects the fuel holding chamber with a liquid tank. Overflow liquid passes through the liquid spill transfer pipe and the liquid transfer portion, over the partition and into the liquid retaining portion of the liquid holding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Randolf W. Brand
  • Patent number: 5253682
    Abstract: A gas delivery apparatus which includes a vehicle fitted with multiple compressed gas cylinders, each provided with a free piston, along with a separate liquid reservoir cylinder, for sequentially displacing the gas located on one side of the free piston in each of the gas cylinders with liquid from the reservoir introduced on the opposite side of the free piston and relocating the free piston disposed in each gas cylinder by residual gas pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventors: Carl E. Haskett, John M. Cobb
  • Patent number: 5247970
    Abstract: A method for filling particulate material into a vertical tube includes conveying the particles downwardly into the tube along a line with a damper in the form of a series of damper brushes each arranged substantially transversely to the line and having a radial extension less than the inner diameter of the tube. The line is pulled up gradually as the tube is filled with particles. The damper can be in the form of brushes that are flexible so that they give or yield gradually when the particles fall down thereon. A wire can be used as the line, to which is fastened a series of substantially equidistant transversely extending brushes, preferably in the form of springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro a.s.
    Inventors: Gunne Ryntveit, Kjell R. Bayer
  • Patent number: 5238035
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a receptacle with a divided solid product by a dispersion head comprises plates which rotate about an axis dispersing into the receptacle at various distances from the axis particles of the solid product which flow over the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Bernard Poussin, Daniel Lumbroso
  • Patent number: 5238036
    Abstract: An adapter for a gasoline pump nozzle which is equipped with a gasoline fume return hose that extends over the rigid tubular portion of the nozzle. The hose has an outer open end which is normally aligned with the other open end of the rigid tube. The hose is resiliently compressible so that the outer end of the hose can be moved relative to the tube beyond a protuberance on the tube which is located between the outer end of the tube and the housing of the nozzle. The housing contains a valve in a trigger mechanism and a control mechanism which prevents the valve from being opened by the trigger mechanism when the hose is in its extended state but is effective to enable the valve to be opened by the trigger mechanism when the hose is compressed. The adapter has a handle in a main body portion which contains a slot in an outer opening to the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Eugene B. Bunce
  • Patent number: 5232028
    Abstract: A drop tube/adapter unit, mounted on the riser pipe of a fuel storage tank, defines a fuel inlet path and an annular vapor return path during a loading operation. A vapor valve, provided in the vapor return path, prevents escape of vapors when a loading operation is not taking place. The drop tube is mounted for universally pivotal movement relative to a vapor valve member thereon, so that the vapor valve will reliably close, if the riser tube is out of plumb. A spring urges the drop tube, valve member to a closed position through a spring support. A stop means engages the spring support and precompress this spring, with the spring support positioned to facilitate its attachment to the adapter. The spring support is attached to the adapter by a threaded connection, comprising a threaded portion at the lower end of the adapter. This threaded portion is interrupted by a recess which positions a ring for sealing the adapter to the upper end of the riser pipe, when the adapter is threaded onto the riser pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventors: Charles A. Sunderhaus, David R. Pendleton
  • Patent number: 5219006
    Abstract: The discovery of the present invention includes method and apparatus for a strainer funnel with means for supporting itself over a wide variety of receptacles. The method and apparatus for a new and improved strainer funnel aid a cook in separating liquids from solids. The new and improved strainer funnel of the present invention comprises: a bowl, a strainer, a funnel in the lower portion of the bowl and support means attached to the bowl such that the bowl is adequately supported if placed on a flat surface and on top of a receptacle being used to collect the liquids passing through the funnel. The method includes providing an improved strainer funnel and using it to separate liquids from solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: Bonnie L. Bishop
  • Patent number: 5217053
    Abstract: A vacuum storage cassette for semiconductor wafers has one or more valves to allow the cassette to be evacuated, backfilled, and opened to the surround atmosphere and resealed without the need for a vacuum load-lock chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonard W. Foster, Edwin G. Millis
  • Patent number: 5190084
    Abstract: A filling element for filling machines is provided and includes a liquid flow valve, which comprises a valve body that can be moved back and forth in a filling element axis between a position that closes the liquid flow valve off and a position that opens this valve. Also provided is an electrical probe for determining filling heights of liquid material in containers. The probe includes a first probe element that projects beyond the underside of the filling element and has an electrode, and a second probe element that at least partially surrounds at least part of the first probe element. The lower end of the second probe element is spaced further from the underside of the filling element than is the first probe element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Seitz Enzinger Noll Maschinebau Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Egbert Diehl, Karl Lorenz, Helmut Graff, Bernd Link, Ludwig Clusserath, Klaus Kaiser
  • Patent number: 5186221
    Abstract: A fuel vapor filter (10) for use with a fuel nozzle (22) for filtering fuel-entrained vapor (60) displaced from a fuel tank and a fuel tank fill tube (18) during refueling. The filter (10) comprises a housing (12) containing a filter (14). An external boot (16) encloses the fill tube (18) during refueling. A splash shield (46) prevents splashing of liquid fuel on the filter housing (12). The filter (10) of the present invention protects people and the environment by preventing the escape of fuel-entrained vapor from the fuel tank during refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: James E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5186222
    Abstract: A liquid spillage control apparatus contains liquid from overfilling of a liquid tank and allows venting of volatile vapors. A liquid spill transfer pipe allows passage of liquid overflow into the liquid holding chamber. A liquid drain pipe communicates with the liquid spill transfer pipe in the liquid holding chamber and drains liquid of a predetermined level or greater out of the liquid holding chamber through the liquid spill transfer pipe. A liquid-buoyant drain pipe sealing means closes the liquid drain pipe when the liquid level in the liquid drain pipe reaches the liquid drain pipe inlet. An orifice in the bottom of the liquid holding chamber allows draining of liquids and solids heavier than the liquid from the liquid holding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Randolf W. Brand
  • Patent number: 5163488
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the presentation in superposed layers of liquids of different densities, particularly liquid foodstuffs, essentially constituted by a body (1) adapted to be mounted on a glass (2), to be filled, and having a receptacle (3) for reception of the liquids, on the side opposite that bearing on the glass (2), characterized in that it is provided with a spherical float (4) coming into contact with the liquid in the glass (2) and connected to a rod (5) guided in a discharge channel (6) of the receptacle (3) for reception of the liquids in the direction of the glass (2), arranged in the body (1) and opening into said receptacle (3), this rod (5) being provided at its end opposite the float (4) with a stop forming simultaneously a manipulable handle (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Armand Basch
  • Patent number: 5131439
    Abstract: A system for controlling the release of fuel vapors and liquid fuel from a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The system includes: 1) a cap-controlled valve assembly which conducts fuel vapors to an on-board vapor capture device and which opens when the tank's fuel filler cap is removed or when the pressure in the fuel tank exceeds a predetermined value and which closes when the filler cap is replaced; 2) a first, normally-closed, flapper door and a flapper-door/fuel-nozzle seal, both of which are located in the region of the mouth of the vehicle's filler pipe, above the level at which fuel vapors pass into the cap-controlled valve assembly; 3) a second, normally-closed, flapper door and a flapper-door seal, both of which are located below the level at which fuel vapors pass into the cap-controlled valve assembly; and 4) a vent conduit which connects the fuel tank to the filler pipe assembly at a level between the first and second flapper doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Whitehead Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Bucci