With Valve Patents (Class 141/301)
  • Patent number: 7225839
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement for a fill valve (22) for an aerosol container (10, 30) to provide better sealing capability. The fill valve is made using a flashless injection molding process in which both the mold cavity and molding material are heated to elevated temperatures to significantly improve cross-linking which occurs during the molding process. A backside (22a) of the fill valve now has a recessed portion (56) to facilitate ejection of the valve from a mold so leak paths are not created due to the forces applied to the valve during its extraction from the mold. The recessed portion reduces the amount of material required to make the fill valve and makes the fill valve flexible to aid in providing a good seal against leakage of a propellant from the container after filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: United States Can Company
    Inventors: Robert Mackenzie, Michel Fernandes, Diamantino Fidalgo, Carol Malone
  • Patent number: 7216681
    Abstract: A simple, reliable system is provided for automatically dosing vehicle fuel tanks with a fuel additive, particularly a concentrate containing a fuel borne catalyst (FBC), using gravity as the means of injection, preferably with no electronics or complex mechanical parts. The system includes a supply line for feeding fuel additive by gravity from an additive reservoir and opening into a filler spout of a fuel tank, a ball-in-seat valve at the end of the supply line biased in normally closed position and operable to an open position by mechanically pressing a release on the ball-in-seat valve, and a pivotable lever positioned within the filler spout and including a projection capable of mating with the ball-in-seat valve release upon pivotable movement. Upon insertion of a filler hose into the filler spout, the filler hose moves the lever and projection to press the release on the ball-in-seat valve thereby dispensing additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Valentine, Laura K. Valentine
  • Patent number: 7213621
    Abstract: An oil change equipment includes an oil barrel, an oil-collecting pan, and a vacuum oil-pumping device; the oil barrel has an inlet thereon, and a control valve connected thereto; an oil conduit is joined to the oil inlet of the oil barrel at one end, and connected to a pipe communicating with a containing space in the oil-collecting pan; a supporting rod is secured on top of the oil barrel; the vacuum oil-pumping device is connected to the control valve of the oil barrel; therefore, the oil collecting pan can be supported on the upper end of the supporting rod secured on top of the oil barrel, thus allowing drained oil received in the oil collecting pan to flow into the oil barrel directly; or alternatively, the oil collecting pan can be positioned apart from the supporting rod to receive drained oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Yung Yen Hsin Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 7207358
    Abstract: This invention relates to a safety cut-off for any type of device for domestic use which is designed to produce pressurized vapor for different purposes. The invention also relates to a safety cut-off for any type of device for domestic use which is designed to produce pressurized steam for different purposes, such as to avoid the risk of accidents by scalding when filling with water, when pressurized steam exists in the steam chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Luis Moreno-Jordana
  • Patent number: 7198073
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus comprises integral material reservoir cylinders which contain separate material bags in which reside a component required for a formulation, or alternate material reservoir containers, typically drums, with a component required for a formulation in each drum, or a combination of both, that provides a volume of material through a supply tube into a valve that directs the material to either: 1) a dispense tube and through a dispense valve, into a receiving container that sits upon a scale, or 2) into a dispense cylinder in which resides a piston that, through the use of a piston drive plate actuator and the piston drive plate actuators' piston drive plate, directs the material through a valve and through a dispenser tube and through a dispense valve and into a receiving container that sits upon a scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: GFI, Innovations
    Inventors: Robert A. Luehrsen, Derek P. Pedraza, John Borkovec
  • Patent number: 7191810
    Abstract: Sealing and safety device made from flexible elastomer material, for filing a hollow body with a liquid using a delivery nozzle, which includes an annular seal for surrounding the nozzle and preventing the exit of gases from the hollow body and also a valve capable of opening, in the event of excess overpressure in the hollow body, only towards the external atmosphere so as to create a passage allowing the escape of liquid and/or of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: Patrick Ganachaud, Jacques Covet
  • Patent number: 7185682
    Abstract: A fuel flange assembly for a vehicle fuel system provides Electro Static Dissipation without an undue increase in cost or reduction in the durability of the tank components. The fuel flange assembly generally includes a fuel tube, a tank flange, and a pressure control device. The fuel tube is constructed of a conductive polymer and has an inlet and an outlet. The fuel tube includes a portion defining a housing positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The tank flange is constructed of a non-conductive polymer. The pressure control device is fitted within the housing and includes a conductive outer casing engaging the fuel tube and forming an electrical pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Taylor Leslie Riegel, Stephen T. Kempfer, Daven Chinubhai Bhavsar, Jason Nicholas Schultz, Matthew Edward Wiethoff
  • Patent number: 7182109
    Abstract: A discharge nozzle for the filling pipe of a motor vehicle fuel tank for the introduction of fuel into the tank includes a check flap which is held by spring loading in a closed position, being caused to bear pivotably against the mouth opening of the nozzle. The check flap is sealed in relation to the mouth opening of the nozzle by way of at least one sealing element with a peripherally extending sealing lip. The sealing lip extends radially outwardly in relation to the cross-section of the discharge mouth opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Kolberg
  • Patent number: 7182111
    Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly between a pivotable outer door and a pivotable inner door to prevent a user from pumping unleaded fuel into a diesel fuel tank. The nozzle inhibitor blocks full insertion of a small-diameter unleaded fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly yet allows full insertion of a large-diameter diesel fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. McClung, Kevin M. Frank, Wayne O. Harris
  • Patent number: 7182108
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for automatically venting a fluid from at least a portion of a pressurized system. An interconnection between two devices in the system contains an automatic bleed valve configured to automatically seal a vent hole when the two devices are coupled together and to automatically unseal the vent hole before the two devices are separated. In an embodiment, an adapter includes a ring that both screws a connector onto a device and seals a vent hole. A pin is pushed into the vent hole as the connector is screwed to the device. To remove the adapter from the device, the ring is turned to both unseal the vent hole and to unscrew the connector from the device. Turning the ring releases the pin before the connector is unscrewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Submersible Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry H. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7174923
    Abstract: A kit for refilling an implantable pump includes a first syringe, a second syringe a a three-way stopcock, which has three ports and an actuator. The actuator allows for selectively effecting fluid communication between only two of the ports. The first syringe is in fluid communication with a first one of the ports. The second syringe is in fluid communication with a second one of the ports. A filling needle is in fluid communication with a third one of the ports. The actuator is selectively moveable between a first position where the first syringe is in fluid communication with the second syringe and the filling needle is isolated from fluid communication with the first syringe and the second syringe, and a second position where the second syringe is in fluid communication with the filling needle and the first syringe is isolated from fluid communication with the second syringe and the filling needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Schorn, Sevak Stephanian
  • Patent number: 7174926
    Abstract: A fueling and associated vapor recovery system maintains the same, or lower, vacuum level in the vapor hose during ORVR vehicle refueling as that seen during a non-ORVR refueling. A valve assembly is made as either a part of the end of the vapor recovery hose assembly, a separate unit that is placed between the hose assembly and the nozzle, or incorporated directly into the nozzle. The valve assembly is biased to one position by a spring to which is attached a sliding valve member. The force of the spring is sufficient to keep the valve member in the original position when refueling non-ORVR vehicles so that the vapor hose is unobstructed and an air bleed hole is closed. When refueling an ORVR vehicle, the elevated vacuum level moves the valve member to a second position which blocks off the vapor hose from the vacuum pump and opens up the vapor hose to the air bleed hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Vapor Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 7171749
    Abstract: A tube connector 10 of the invention is used for a fuel supply device to feed a supply of fuel to a fuel tank FT. The tube connector 10 is attached to the fuel tank FT and is connected with an inlet hose H, which is fastened by a clamp CP. The tube connector 10 has a connector main body 11 that is attached to the fuel tank FT to surround a tank opening FTa, a reinforcing tube 16 that has a flange 16a and is used to reinforce the connector main body 11, and a conduit formation member 18. The conduit formation member 18 has a fixation end 18b that is welded to a welding element 14f of the connector main body 11 to fix the flange 16b of the reinforcing tube 16. This structure of the tube connector 10 ensures secure and easy fixation of the reinforcing tube 16 to the connector main body 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7156133
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controllably delivering liquid, preferably foam producing liquid, from a remote supply tank to a holding tank for replenishment of liquid in the holding tank. The apparatus utilizes a pressurized air source of a vehicle to supply the energy to move the liquid. A liquid level sensing, signaling element is adapted to automatically control the filling of the holding tank and terminating operation when the holding tank is no longer being replenished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: John E. McLaughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Toh M. Meng
  • Patent number: 7156135
    Abstract: A quick-release connector structure for an air tank includes a connector body incorporated with an air tank and a seat block. The seat block is secured to the air tank and comprises a valve having a post extending forwardly. The valve is acting as a switch to turn the air tank on and off. The connector body comprises a first passage and a second passage. The first passage comprises an air release hole and a through hole. A thimble is disposed in the first passage. A quick-release wrench is provided in a recess disposed on the connector body. The quick-release wrench corresponds to the through hole and is secured by a fastener. By turning the quick-release wrench, the high-pressure air remaining in the pipe is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Sunworld Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Cheng Yeh
  • Patent number: 7152639
    Abstract: In a venting device for a fuel tank 1 of a motor vehicle having a filler neck and a venting valve, a circulation pipe is provided which, due to the suction jet effect when refueling circulates gas from the fuel tank back into the tank with the fuel so as to prevent an excessive inflow of fresh air, and which includes a venting pipe extending between venting valve 2 and a filter for discharging excess gases through a filter in order to prevent the escape of fuel vapors into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Barbara Aschoff, legal representative, Dorothee Aschoff, legal representative, Henning Aschoff, legal representative, Wolfgang Ludwig Winfried Aschoff, deceased
  • Patent number: 7147018
    Abstract: The invention concerns a filling fitting for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle having an automatic tank closure. The filling fitting includes a carrier with an inlet opening and a closure cover, which closes the inlet opening with a sealing element. An upper side of the closure cover has a closure component, which, in a closed position of the closure cover, penetrates the inlet opening. Above the carrier is a circumferential section placed directly or indirectly on a supporting closure ring. The section extends inward to coact with closure elements on the closure component in the manner of a screw drive. To prevent permeation, in a force transmission path between the sealing element of the closure cover and the carrier, at least one axial, effective spring element is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Martin Krach, Reinhard Enzelberger
  • Patent number: 7147019
    Abstract: A cover for a filler neck includes a body portion and a movable protective door that covers and exposes an opening in the filler neck. The protective door includes a ledge that protrudes from the plane of the door so that the door can be easily moved to an open position by pressing a tip of a fuel nozzle against the door. The door itself may be biased to move into a closed position automatically when the fuel nozzle is removed from the ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Walkowski, Robert P. Benjey, Russell C. Jahnke, Andrew W. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7128108
    Abstract: A non-spilling detachable pouring spout configured to transfer liquid from a non-vented filling container to a receiving container. This spout having a spout body defining an open passageway extending from an open first end to an open second end this open passageway having a generally tubular shaped hollow inner conduit positioned within the first hollow passageway, and defining a second hollow passageway. An intermediate sleeve is configured for attachment to the device and is further configured to seal against portions of the spout body and the inner conduit so as to variously control the flow of materials out of the spout body. The movement of said sleeve is controlled by movement of a child resistant sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: NITEC—Nielsen Idaho Tool and Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Roger B. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7128102
    Abstract: A drop tube segment includes a conduit with a first end portion and a second end portion. The drop tube segment further comprises a valve assembly with a valve member associated with the first end portion, a float, and a linkage device pivotally connected with respect to the valve member. The linkage device is adapted for communication with the float such that the float may facilitate in adjusting the position of the valve member with respect to the first end portion of the conduit in response to a liquid level in a liquid reservoir. The drop tube segment further includes a fastening section located at the second end portion of the conduit for fluid tight fastening with an end portion of another drop tube segment. The fastening section comprises a sealing surface and a threaded portion adapted for threaded engagement with a threaded portion of another drop tube segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Pendleton, James E. Kesterman, Kristopher A. Kane
  • Patent number: 7124792
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a manual bulk liquid pump control and distribution system that utilizes a single-handle manual operation for direction of flow and speed, along with providing a neutral position for standby. The system can be operated at a rate of 0 to 250 gallons per minute and be reversed with a single motion of the operating handle. The pump operates in one direction at a fixed RPM, resulting in longer pump life and safer operation. For added safety, the system utilizes the pump's relief valve for both discharge and suction operation. It has the ability of sucking the liquid out of the lines and hoses after each transfer operation. This system has an aluminum flow-reversing valve or two-way valve at the center of the design. This valve allows the flow of the product to be precisely controlled in either direction, along with the flow rate and pressure. This gives the operator the ability to control the product regardless of viscosity or volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Safety Pumping Systems, LLC
    Inventor: David Palmer
  • Patent number: 7111654
    Abstract: A developer supply container detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, includes a container body for containing a developer; a discharge opening for permitting discharge of the developer from the container body; shutter means for unsealing and sealing the discharge opening; wherein the shutter means has a first shutter member and a second shutter member resealably provided at a position facing to the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masafumi Takagi
  • Patent number: 7104289
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a gas-supersaturated fluid and delivering the fluid at high delivery pressures to thereby prevent bubble nucleation is disclosed. The system comprises a housing for containing a removable fluid assembly for housing a fluid to be gas-supersaturated and a drive assembly for delivering the fluid to a delivery site. The housing assembly comprises a cylinder and a piston which-may be advanced along the inner surface of the cylinder to pressurize and to deliver the fluid. To generate a gas-supersaturated fluid, the housing assembly is removed from the system housing, filled with a fluid, and gas is introduced at or slightly above the desired gas partial pressure into the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: Adib G. Daoud, James M. Gessert
  • Patent number: 7100645
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a filler pipe structure for connecting a filler neck and fuel tank inside of a vehicle, and the filler pipe structure is equipped with a first filler pipe extending from the filler neck; a chamber that is arranged at an end to which the first filler pipe extends, and forms a space fronting the end of the first filler pipe; an inlet check valve attached to the end of the first filler pipe; and a second filler pipe that connects the space of the chamber and the fuel tank inside, wherein an inside section area of the second filler pipe is larger than that of the first filler pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hasegawa, Yukio Hirata
  • Patent number: 7089976
    Abstract: A device for adding solvent to a pneumatic system comprises an inlet structure to receive solvent from a supply and a reservoir to hold solvent from the inlet structure. An outlet structure, which is in fluid communication with the reservoir, is designed to connect the reservoir to a pneumatic system. A first stop valve is disposed between the inlet structure and the reservoir, and a second stop valve is disposed between the reservoir and the outlet structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Roy Bargy
  • Patent number: 7082971
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a liquid level within a receptacle such as a Christmas-tree stand water basin or a pet's water dish includes: a) a liquid reservoir adapted to be positioned above a height of a liquid holding basin of the receptacle, where the reservoir includes an open upper end and a lower end, where the open upper end includes a threaded, cylindrical outer surface and the lower end includes a reservoir outlet orifice; b) a cap including a cylindrical wall having an enclosed top end and an open bottom end, where the cylindrical wall includes a threaded inner surface from gauging with a threaded outer surface of the liquid reservoir; c) a valve assembly provided approximate the reservoir outlet orifice of the reservoir and operatively coupled to the cap to open the reservoir outlet orifice when the cap is threaded downwardly on the reservoir to a valve-open height below an actuating height an operative to close the reservoir outlet orifice when the cap is threaded upwardly to a valve-closed heigh
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Evan Gauthier
  • Patent number: 7077171
    Abstract: A container, a method for dispensing a fluid contained in the container and a valve are disclosed. The container includes a valve that permits the contents of the container to be dispensed and re-sealed after use. In some embodiments, the valve automatically opens when a suitable connector is attached to the container and automatically closes when the connector is removed from the container. The container can also optionally include a pressure relief system and provisions to prevent backflow into the container. The container is also designed to be backward compatible with existing hardware and connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent F. Carrubba
  • Patent number: 7077178
    Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly between a pivotable outer door and a pivotable inner door to prevent a user from pumping unleaded fuel into a diesel fuel tank. The nozzle inhibitor blocks full insertion of a small-diameter unleaded fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly yet allows full insertion of a large-diameter diesel fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Poul Hedevang
  • Patent number: 7077176
    Abstract: A vial has a body defining a chamber for receiving a substance therein; and a valve assembly coupled in fluid communication with the chamber and defining (i) an open position permitting at least one of (a) passage of the substance through the valve assembly and into the chamber for storing the substance in the chamber, and (b) passage of the substance out of the chamber for dispensing the substance therefrom; and (ii) a closed position forming a fluid-tight seal between the chamber and exterior of the container. A filling member engages a flexible valve member of the valve assembly to move the valve member between the closed and open positions to fill and seal the vial, respectively. A syringe is connectable to the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7069966
    Abstract: A liquid injector system includes a liquid injector (10) comprising a container (11) for containing a concentrated liquid and having an opening (13) which is closed by a valve (23). The valve (23) is biased to a closed position by leaf springs (28) and is opened by engagement by a nozzle. Pressure is applied to the concentrated liquid by means of a manually operable piston (19) so that, when the valve (23) is in an open position, at least some of the concentrated liquid is dispensed under pressure from the container (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Neilan K Kumar
  • Patent number: 7059366
    Abstract: A manifold for a submersible turbine pump having an air bleed mechanism for removing air from a discharge chamber of the manifold. The manifold includes the discharge chamber that receives fuel pumped from an underground storage tank (UST), the air bleed mechanism, an air return path coupled to the UST, and a bypass tube coupled to the air return path. When the air bleed mechanism is activated, the fuel discharge chamber is fluidly coupled to the bypass tube, thereby allowing air from the fuel discharge chamber to flow to the ullage of the UST. In one embodiment, the air bleed mechanism is an air bleed screw inserted into a threaded orifice in the manifold. The threaded orifice is coupled to both the bypass tube and the fuel discharge chamber. When the air bleed screw is rotated upward, the bypass tube is coupled to the fuel discharge chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventor: Richard Dolson
  • Patent number: 7055557
    Abstract: A vehicle refueling system and a vehicle refueling method are disclosed. The refueling system includes a filler cup, a nozzle seal in the filler cup for sealing to a filler nozzle, a vapor re-circulation path from the gas tank to the filler cup, and an air relief module. The air relief module provides additional air to the filler cup region below the nozzle seal when the vapor re-circulation path does not provide sufficient make-up air to the filler nozzle during refueling operations. The refueling method includes providing air through an air relief module when the vapor flow through the vapor re-circulation path is not sufficient to perform a refueling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Russell Carl Jahnke, Daniel Lee Pifer
  • Patent number: 7048020
    Abstract: The device according to the invention comprises a connector on-board the vehicle, connected to the fuel tank via a pouring conduit and provided with a closure valve, and a filling element adapted to be connected to this connector. The filling element is provided with at least one member for detecting the abutment of the filling element on a fixed part of the connector, this member being adapted to control the displacement of a hook for locking the aforementioned element on the connector, between a first position where the hook is disengaged with respect to the connector and a second position where the hook is in engagement on the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Christophe Durieux, Alain-Christophe Tiberghien
  • Patent number: 7025096
    Abstract: A valve comprising a valve needle, a valve housing, and a valve face for introducing a medium into a container. When the valve is closed, the front face of the valve needle and the valve housing are substantially flush with an inner surface of the container. Low tolerance range fits can be provided between the container and the valve housing and/or between the valve housing and the valve needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Garnreiter, Rudolf Berghoff
  • Patent number: 7011117
    Abstract: An improved filling valve and liquid filling machine comprising such valve are herein disclosed. The filling valve comprises a housing having a base, a cap and a sidewall extending between the base and the cap thereby defining a chamber. The base has a ramp which slopes from a bottom surface of the base toward the cap. An outlet tube extends from said housing and has an inlet opening in fluid communication with the chamber. An inlet port extends through the sidewall to allow liquid product to enter the chamber. A plunger guide having an opening is provided on the cap with the opening extending through the cap. A plunger is slidably received in the outlet tube and the opening in the plunger guide. The plunger is movable between a position in which the plunger seals the outlet tube thereby closing the valve and a position in which the plunger is withdrawn from the outlet tube thereby unsealing the outlet tube and thereby opening the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventors: Gerald Albert Carpino, Peter Todd Carpino
  • Patent number: 7007726
    Abstract: A closure assembly and method for a capless fuel tank filler tube employs a housing with a flange adapted for mounting on a bulkhead having a nozzle size-discriminating and positioning aperture provided on the upper end of the filler tube. A sliding element in the housing has a nozzle opening offset from and normally closing the bulkhead aperture. Upon insertion of a refueling nozzle, a cam surface on sliding element causes the element to move to a position aligning the opening with the bulkhead aperture permitting the nozzle to be further inserted through the bulkhead. A projection on the sliding element may extend through a slot in the bulkhead for performing an auxiliary function such as releasing a flapper door latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Martin, Carl F. Binder
  • Patent number: 6994130
    Abstract: A capless automotive fueling system having a funnel with a port open to receive a fuel filling nozzle. A spring loaded valve is movable between an open position in which the port is open and a closed position in which the fuel valve overlies and sealingly covers the port. A shield is movable between a first position in which the shield overlies and covers the valve, and a second position in which the shield is laterally disposed to one side of the valve to permit insertion of the fuel filling nozzle. A motor is drivingly connected to the shield and, on activation, moves the shield from its first and to its second position. Alternatively, two latches engage the valve to retain the valve in a closed position. Upon insertion of a properly sized fuel nozzle, the nozzle engages the latches and pivots them to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Martinrea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David John Gabbey, Daniel Paul Cunkle
  • Patent number: 6991006
    Abstract: A closing mechanism for a filling tube of a fuel tank in an automobile, including: a first housing portion adapted to be fastened in an opening of the body of the automobile, a closing slide member which supported for linear or pivotal, movement transverse to the axis of the opening, the closing slide member and a portion of the housing portion together form a funnel-like guide means such that upon a movement of a fuel nozzle towards the guide means the closing slide member is moved into an open position whereby the nozzle can be moved further into the opening, a second housing portion having a first end connectable to the first housing portion and a second end attachable to the end of the filling tube, the second housing portion having a second opening aligned with the first opening, and a closing flap for the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rainer Gramss, Uwe Stapf
  • Patent number: 6971421
    Abstract: A developer supply container detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, includes a container body for containing a developer; a discharge opening for permitting discharge of the developer from the container body; shutter means for unsealing and sealing the discharge opening; wherein the shutter means has a first shutter member and a second shutter member resealably provided at a position facing to the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masafumi Takagi
  • Patent number: 6968875
    Abstract: A non-spilling detachable pouring spout configured to transfer liquid from a non-vented filling container to a receiving container. This spout having a spout body defining an open passageway extending from an open first end to an open second end this open passageway having a generally tubular shaped hollow inner conduit positioned within the first hollow passageway, and defining a second hollow passageway. An intermediate sleeve is configured for attachment to the device and is further configured to seal against portions of the spout body and the inner conduit so as to variously control the flow of materials out of the spout body. The movement of said sleeve is controlled by movement of a child resistant sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Roger B. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6959727
    Abstract: A check valve for connection in a fuel tank filler tube. The valve has a tubular body with a plurality of radially inwardly extending vanes or ribs in the inlet end about a portion of the circumference. The ribs are tapered in the flow direction to deflect the end of a siphoning hose to an offset opening. A valve seat and poppet with a tapered surface are disposed downstream of the ribs, clearance apertures are formed in the side of the tubular body downstream of the valve seat. The tapered surface of the poppet, upon being opened by insertion of the end of a siphoning hose deflects the hose outwardly through the clearance apertures to facilitate further insertion into the tank. The poppet is biased normally closed by a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Pk Haridass Krishnamoorthy, Steven A. Verzyl, Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 6953070
    Abstract: A dispensing valve comprises a first component comprising a body adapted to be secured in fluid communication to a fitment of a liquid container. The body defines a first flow passage that extends therethrough. The first flow passage has an inlet. A valve assembly is connected to said body. The valve assembly comprises: (i) a seal retaining body defining a second flow passage that communicates with said inlet of said first flow passage; and, (ii) a resilient seal member located in said second flow passage and resiliently urged into sealing engagement with the inlet to block fluid flow from the second flow passage into the first flow passage via the inlet. The dispensing valve further comprises an outlet spout that defines a bore that extends from and through a first end to and through a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: The Meyer Company
    Inventors: Jeffery J. Labinski, Michael H. Meyer, Louis J. Castro, Raymond P. Kawolics
  • Patent number: 6941986
    Abstract: A device for aseptically filling sterile containers provided with a mouth closed by a frangible membrane, comprising actuators (K) carrying a fill group provided at its distal end with cutting means (T) and valve means and at its proximal end with means (Y) for driving the valve means. The valve means consist of a fill tube (R) closed by a conical bottom (U), externally provided with an elastomeric plug (P), and having one or more lateral slots (A) at the bottom (U), the fill tube (R) being slidably arranged within an external guide tube (E) suitable to abut on the container mouth, upon cutting of the membrane, and with which the plug (P) achieves a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Fmc Technologies Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Dave Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 6926047
    Abstract: The fuel intake device is provided that is mounted within a base portion of a vehicle and is pivotal from a closed position to an open position. While in the closed position, the fuel intake passage to the fuel tank is sealed. While in the open position, the fuel intake passage is able to receive fuel from a fuel nozzle. The fuel intake device can be combined with a condensation capture apparatus that provides multiple coils in communication with a fume tube. The coils are cooled during fueling by the fuel passing around them from their placement inside the fuel intake pipe and act to condense fuel fumes into fuel for return to the fuel tank as the fumes rise toward the fume tube. The fuel intake device can also include a pressurization and depressurization valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Paraphase, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk W. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6886705
    Abstract: The fuel tank includes a tank main body, a filler pipe, a first breather pipe, and a second breather pipe. The tank main body stores fuel therein. The filler pipe supplies fuel to the tank main body. The first breather pipe connects the upper space of the tank main body to the neighboring portion of a fuel supply opening. The second breather pipe connects the middle portion of the filler pipe to the neighboring portion of the fuel supply opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Souma, Osamu Kondo, Hisayuki Goma, Shoji Uhara, Naoki Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6883565
    Abstract: An air pump for bicycles comprises: an air storage tank 5 for storing compressed air which is charged thereinto from a manual pump 30 through tank-charging passages 43b and 43a; an air-charge valve 44 or 49 for preventing air stored in the air storage tank 5 from reversely flowing toward the manual pump 30 through the tank-charging passages 43b and 43a; air passages 43a and 43c which extends from the air storage tank 5 and which is formed at its tip end with an air discharge port which charges air into a bicycle tire; and an opened and closed valve for opening and closing the air passages 43a and 43c. With this structure, it is possible to provide an air pump for bicycles capable of swiftly charging a large volume of high-pressure air into a bicycle tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Marui Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Marui
  • Patent number: 6871678
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for filling a wine barrel is disclosed. The apparatus has a nozzle (4) connected to a hollow handle (15) where the upstream portion of the handle is connected to a hose from a wine supply. Supply of wine in the apparatus is controlled by a control button (17) on the handle (15) which opens an upstream solenoid valve. The apparatus (1) has a locating lug (6) and arm (7) on the nozzle portion to allow generally vertical location of the nozzle in a barrel bung hole. The apparatus has a non-return valve (14) to prevent wine flowing from the hose to the apparatus when the upstream solenoid valve is closed. The apparatus has a conductivity sensor (9) to cause closure of the upstream solenoid valve when the wine in the barrel reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Jim Guszlovan
  • Patent number: 6854493
    Abstract: A powder filling apparatus includes a first container configured to contain a powder. A weighing tank is configured to receive the powder from the first container and discharge a predetermined amount of the powder to a second container, which includes an opening configured to discharge the powder into the second container and a regulator configured to open and close the opening to discharge the predetermined amount of the powder into the second container. A connector is configured to feed the powder from the first container into the weighing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Ichikawa, Masanori Rimoto, Masakazu Nakada
  • Patent number: 6814109
    Abstract: An improved product filling device for filling containers has a zero clearance rotor valve engaging the interior of a rotor valve housing. The rotor has a tapered conical sealing surface engaged with a complimentary conical seating surface in the housing. The position of the rotor allows product to enter a cylinder and be discharged from the cylinder into a container via movement of a piston inside the cylinder. Alternative structures and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Packaging Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Rohret, Gregory C. Vens
  • Patent number: 6810932
    Abstract: A seal within the filler neck of a fluid reservoir is configured to provide fluid channels into the reservior while in the at-rest position, but seals the filler neck when deformed by an externally directed insert in the filler neck. The seal is a hollow bulb with a frusto-conical surface spaced from a parallel frusto-conical surface of the filler neck by a plurality of ribs therebetween. The gap between the ribs, and between the surfaces of the seal and the filler neck, from fluid channels for replenishing the reservoir. A plunger inserted into the filler neck deflects the seal outwardly into contact with the filler neck, closing the fluid channels and preventing matter from entering the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: David Corven, Grigory Yezersky, Thomas S Moore, Gerald Cilibraise, Edmund Tworkowski, William W Doolittle, III