Plural Valved Passages Patents (Class 141/302)
  • Patent number: 11365812
    Abstract: An air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle includes: a valve housing having a first port and a second port; a first rotary shaft rotatably mounted in the valve housing and configured to be rotated by a driving source; a first valve member connected to the first rotary shaft and configured to selectively open or close the first port by rotating about the first rotary shaft; a second rotary shaft mounted in the valve housing so as to be rotatable relative to the first rotary shaft; a second valve member connected to the second rotary shaft and configured to selectively open or close the second port by rotating about the second rotary shaft; and a spring member connected, at one end thereof, to the first rotary shaft and connected, at the other end thereof, to the second rotary shaft, thereby improving stability and reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Byeong Seung Lee, Sang Woo Kim, Jeong Hee Park
  • Patent number: 11214478
    Abstract: A fluidic interconnect includes a first interface including a liquid port, a gas port, and a cradle; a second interface including a liquid port, a gas port, and a swing bar to engage the cradle, a weight of a container attached to one of the first or second interfaces to drive the liquid port of the first interface into connection with the liquid port of the second interface and the gas port of the first interface into connection with the gas port of the second interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Roswech, Jonathan Schultz, Chun Ho
  • Patent number: 10865087
    Abstract: A filler spout including a tubular body having mounted therein a valve member extending facing a valve seat and a secondary shutter arranged in a distribution chamber downstream from the valve member and rigidly connected thereto with a small amount of axial clearance between the valve member and the secondary shutter, and a movable portion of an actuator being coupled to the valve member in order to move it between an extreme closure position and an extreme opening position. The valve member possesses an intermediate closure position and includes a portion that is received in a bore opening out into the distribution chamber in order to form a suction system when the valve member is moved from the extreme closure position to the intermediate closure position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: André Jean-Jacques Graffin
  • Patent number: 10640358
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an adapter for a fluid refilling system. In one example, an adapter configured for use with a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system may include a first end configured to couple with a DEF refill passage, a second end including an aperture shaped to receive a DEF nozzle, a pivotable door closing the aperture and biased against the aperture by a biasing member, and a magnetic ring positioned within the adapter and downstream of the pivotable door. The pivotable door may be formed of a material permeable to DEF vapors and may include a plurality of vent holes configured to flow vapors from the DEF system to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Terrence Zitkovic, Jr., Xiankai Song, Christopher Anthony Danowski
  • Patent number: 10596900
    Abstract: A fuel filling neck includes a closure flap pivotably mounted thereon to be pivoted between a neck closed position and a neck open position. The flap is preloaded into the closed position by spring pretension. A mis-filling prevention device is in the filling neck between the closure flap and an insertion opening for a fuel pump nozzle and has a closed position that prevents the closure flap from being pivoted into the open position, and an enabling position permitting the closure flap to be pivoted into the open position. The mis-filling prevention device is mounted with axial play so as to be first axially forced against the closure flap by the fuel pump nozzle as the nozzle is inserted, the closure flap being moved into a partly open position, and, during subsequent further insertion of the nozzle, the mis-filling prevention device being moved into the enabling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Manuel Bachmann
  • Patent number: 10507724
    Abstract: A fuel filling neck includes a closure flap pivotably mounted thereon to be pivoted between a neck closed position and a neck open position. The flap is preloaded into the closed position by spring pretension. A mis-filling prevention device is in the filling neck between the closure flap and an insertion opening for a fuel pump nozzle and has a closed position that prevents the closure flap from being pivoted into the open position, and an enabling position permitting the closure flap to be pivoted into the open position. The mis-filling prevention device is mounted with axial play so as to be first axially forced against the closure flap by the fuel pump nozzle as the nozzle is inserted, the closure flap being moved into a partly open position, and, during subsequent further insertion of the nozzle, the mis-filling prevention device being moved into the enabling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Manuel Bachmann
  • Patent number: 10246239
    Abstract: A vacuum bottle sealing apparatus includes a lower unit disposed in an opening of a bottle; an upper unit installed on an upper portion of the lower unit; and a lifting and lowering unit disposed to pass through the lower unit and protrude inwardly of the upper unit from inside of the opening of the bottle. The lifting and lowering unit includes a lifting and lowering bar connected to the upper unit through the lower unit and lifted and lowered by the upper unit; and an elastic sealing ring mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the lifting and lowering bar and sealing am interior of the opening of the bottle as the elastic sealing ring is pressed by the lower unit and then deformed when the lifting and lowering bar is lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignees: ROLLPACK, CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyul-Joo Lee
  • Patent number: 10155654
    Abstract: The present invention relates broadly and separately to a flow control valve and a float control valve assembly for use in the refilling of storage vessels, particularly fuel tanks. The invention also relates generally to a vessel overfill protection system. The flow control valve comprises a valve body defining a fluid passageway disposed between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a piston assembly located at least in part within the fluid passageway. The piston assembly includes a piston support to which a piston is slidably mounted for opening and closure of the fluid outlet. The piston support includes at least one fluid sampling passage arranged to provide pressurised fluid from the fluid inlet to an upstream surface of the piston which is urged for opening of the fluid outlet to permit flow of fluid through the fluid passageway. The float control valve assembly includes a float assembly body adapted to mount within a vessel to be filled with fluid via the flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: WALNAB PTY LTD
    Inventors: Adam Peattie, Emil-Dan Dragomirescu
  • Patent number: 10144279
    Abstract: There is provided a closing device for a filler port. This closing device for the filler port comprises a fuel passage forming portion configured to include a first engagement element; a first open-close mechanism configured to include a first cover that is opened toward an upstream side; and a second open-close mechanism configured to open and close a second opening and include a second cover that is opened toward the upstream side. The first open-close mechanism further comprises a disengagement portion located on the upstream side of a second engagement element when the second engagement element is engaged with the first engagement element, and configured to disengage the second engagement element from the first engagement element when receiving a force in a closing direction from the second cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Kazuya Watanabe, Naoki Mori, Go Oue
  • Patent number: 10054364
    Abstract: The invention relates to a melting apparatus (100) for melting paraffin (1), having: a melting container (110) for receiving paraffin (1) to be melted; a storage container (190) for storing molten paraffin (4); having a melting container heating device (120) for heating the melting container (110), having a storage container heating device (191) for heating the storage container (190), having a fluid connection (113) fluidically connecting the melting container (110) and the storage container; the melting container (110), the storage container (190), and the fluid connection (113) being arranged so that molten paraffin (4) flows out of the melting container (110) into the storage container (190).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Berberich, Hermann Ulbrich, Florian Böhl, Ralf Eckert, Karin Flieger
  • Patent number: 10000117
    Abstract: A capless filler neck closure for use with a vehicle fuel tank filler neck is disclosed. The capless filler neck closure includes an outer dust cover and an inner closure door each movable from a closed position to an opened position in response to insertion of a fuel nozzle into the capless filler neck closure for refueling of an associated vehicle fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Stant USA Corp.
    Inventors: David A. Giles, Michael S. Brock, Kevin L. Young
  • Patent number: 9856125
    Abstract: A filling element includes a filling-element housing and a liquid-carrying duct formed therein that ends in an opening for discharging liquid product into a container. A liquid valve controls flow through the duct. During filling, a return-gas tube extends into the container's interior. An actuator uses the gas tube as a valve tappet to open and close the liquid valve. As it moves the gas tube up and down, the actuator simultaneously controls a first control-valve that controls flow between the return-gas tube and a gas-chamber. The gas chamber is configured for conducting away return gas forced out of the container's interior by incoming filling product during filling thereof, for imposing a filling pressure in the container's interior, for flushing said container's interior with a flushing gas, or for evacuating the container's interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Manfred Hãrtel, Bernd Bruch
  • Patent number: 9802805
    Abstract: An apparatus for the storage and aging of wine that comprises of a disposable flexible bladder contained within a rigid support container. The flexible bladder has a fill/drain port connected to an internal dip tube that allows the bladder to be filled and emptied repeatedly without any contact with air. This allows the wine to remain fresh and unoxidized during storage and aging. The apparatus can be used in multiple support containers, such as barrels, IBCs, and tanks. The apparatus has no moving parts and uses disposable contact materials that eliminate washing and water usage. Single-use components ensure sanitary operation and this combined with the elimination of oxygen in contact with the wine produces consistently higher quality product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Vijay Singh
  • Patent number: 9790072
    Abstract: A filler element for filling containers with liquid includes a housing, a housing opening area, a protective space, a channel formed therein, a liquid valve in the channel, a dispensing opening downstream from the valve, and a fill-level-determining element comprising first and second ends. The fill-level-determining element is routed through the housing and extends by the first end into the dispensing opening during filling and is routed out of the housing by the second end at a housing opening area in a sealed manner with a protective space directly adjacent to it. The protective space holds a length of the fill-level-determining element that corresponds to an axial adjustment lift. The protective space opens by an axial opening lift of the fill-level-determining element that differs from its axial adjustment lift. The protective space opens by the axial opening lift of the fill-level-determining element into a space formed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clusserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 9662972
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle-receiving assembly may include a main housing having an inlet configured to receive a fuel nozzle, a drain opening formed through a portion of the main housing, and a drain cover configured to be moved between a plugged position in which the drain opening is closed, and an unplugged position in which the drain opening is opened. The drain cover is configured to be in the plugged position when the fuel nozzle is inserted into the inlet so that any leaked fuel passes into the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Franco A. Cisternino, Paul M. Sutenbach, Stephen M. Sperando
  • Patent number: 9599072
    Abstract: A method for purging a fuel vapor canister buffer, comprising: opening a fuel tank isolation valve; opening a canister purge valve; and drawing a vacuum on a fuel tank sufficient to open a capless refueling assembly vacuum relief mechanism. In this way, the fuel vapor canister buffer may still be purged to intake even under conditions where the canister vent line is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 9522593
    Abstract: A misfuelling prevention system for a vehicle may include an upper housing and an inner housing supported in the fuel filler neck, positioned in a bottom portion of the upper housing, and slidable in a single direction by a center returning spring interposed between the upper housing side and the inner housing, a stopper being rotatably installed at a side of the inner housing and elastically biased by a stopper spring, wherein the stopper is rotatable when a fuelling gun contacts with an end of the stopper, and a flapper having a first end rotatably installed at another side of the inner housing and a second end selectively caught in a groove portion of the stopper, wherein the flapper is opened by being pushed by the fuelling gun when the flapper is released from being caught by the stopper while the fuelling gun contacts with the end of the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Myeong Hwan Kim, Bu Yeol Ryu
  • Patent number: 9423051
    Abstract: A mechanism to dispense a carbonated beverage from a closed package may include reducing a pressure of a gas from a cartridge using one or more pressure regulators coupled to the cartridge. Further, the flow rate of the gas having the reduced pressure may be regulated using a flow regulator coupled to the one or more pressure regulators. The flow regulator may be coupled to a dispensing head comprising a sequential arrangement of a snifting valve and a dispensing valve. Using the sequential arrangement, the gas whose flow rate is regulated may be released into the closed package to dispense a carbonated beverage in the closed container at a controlled rate to minimize a foaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Hans Jaeger, Alain Saurer
  • Patent number: 9267467
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle, comprising: a tank pressure control valve coupled in a first conduit between a fuel tank and a fuel vapor canister; a refueling valve coupled in a second, different, conduit between the fuel tank and the fuel vapor canister, the second conduit in parallel to the first conduit. In this way, two smaller, less complex valves may be utilized to control fuel tank vapor purging and fuel tank depressurization during refueling. This in turn may lower system cost and increase system functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Peters, Mark Daniel Bunge, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Russell Randall Pearce
  • Patent number: 9061581
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid container (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular a fuel container (1), having at least one filler tube (4) and having operational and filling ventilation, comprising at least one operational ventilation line (7) which is connected to an equalizing volume of the liquid container (1) and at least one filling ventilation opening (9) which opens into the equalizing volume. The fuel container (1) according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the operational ventilation opening (7) is connected to the filler tube (4) outside the container volume, in a manner which forms a siphon (8), and that the connection of the operational ventilation line (7) to the filler tube (4) is arranged in such a way that liquid is collected in the siphon (8) during each filling operation and closes the operational ventilation line (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ibrahim Koukan
  • Publication number: 20150053307
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a valve assembly for preventing dead leg spaces in a container or tubing, the embodiments including a three-way valve system for controlling back-pressure in a fluid generating device, such as a single-use high pressure bioreactor. Also disclosed is a pressurized reactor system for bioprocessing, comprising a single-use container including a flexible wall or a semi-rigid wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES CORP.
    Inventors: Colin R. Tuohey, Thomas Erdenberger, Richard L. Damren, Kenneth Clapp, Parrish M. Galliher, Jonathan Kenney
  • Patent number: 8955562
    Abstract: A filling element for filling systems for filling bottles or similar containers (2) with a hot liquid product, comprising a liquid channel (14, 15), which is formed in the filling element (1), has a filling valve (9) and forms at least one discharge opening, via which, by controlled opening and closing of the liquid valve (9), the liquid product can be introduced into the respective container (2) that has been raised towards the filling element (1) in a lifting movement, and comprising at least one flow path (16, 17, 18), which is formed in the liquid valve (1) and, for heating the filling element (1), can be connected to a hot circulation of the liquid product, characterized in that control means (5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 8955560
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the pressurized filling of bottles or like containers with a liquid filling material, using a return gas tube protruding into the respective container during a filling phase in order to control the filling level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Patent number: 8899283
    Abstract: A device for dividing up a volume of liquid contained in an original container by filling bottles that are smaller than the original container, including a source of pressurized gas, a first line running from the source of pressurized gas and opening into the original container so as to place it under pressure, and a line for withdrawing the contents of the original container, connecting the latter to one of the smaller bottles. A second line runs from the pressure source and ends in the smaller bottle to be filled. Means are provided for closing and opening the first and second lines and a member is provided for activating the means for closing/opening so as to open the second line then the pressurization line in sequence, and close these same lines in sequence in the reverse order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Wine In Tube—Wit France
    Inventor: Laurent De Crasto
  • Patent number: 8887771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for supplying a consumer with gaseous fuel. Said system comprises at least one compressed gas container, which is fluidically connected to the consumer via a collecting line and valves. To extensively utilise the capacity of the compressed gas container, a reserve container (3) is connected to the collecting line (12) via a first valve (9) and the system is equipped with an ejector pump (14), which is operated by gas from the reserve container (3) and delivers gas from the compressed gas container(s) (1, 2, . . . ) into the collecting line (12). To achieve this, with respect to the flow, the ejector pump (14) is situated between the compressed gas container(s) (1,2, . . . ) and the consumer (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Pucher
  • Patent number: 8869845
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressurized gas dispensing device such as a tap, which includes a first end, to be placed in the opening of a pressurized gas storage tank, and a second end, including a connection interface selectively connectable to a device for controlling the filling and/or withdrawal of gas from the tank, the dispensing device including an internal gas circuit having an upstream end connecting inside the tank and a downstream end to be connected to said filling and/or withdrawal control device, the internal circuit including in series, upstream to downstream, a pressure regulator and a downstream insulation valve, the portion of the internal circuit located between the pressure regulator and the downstream insulation valve defining a so-called low-pressure chamber, the dispensing device; being characterized in that the connection interface includes at least one safety lock selectively movable between a first rest position, wherein the lock shapes the connection interface into a first configurat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alessandro Moretti, Philippe Pisot
  • 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: 20140252045
    Abstract: A dispenser for holding multiple doses of fluids or other substances, and for dispensing the substances, has a vial, a flexible bladder received within the vial, and a variable volume storage chamber formed between the bladder and vial. A filling valve is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position hermetically sealing the storage chamber from the ambient atmosphere, and (2) an open position allowing the passage of fluid through the valve both to evacuate the storage chamber and to introduce fluid through the valve to fill the storage chamber. A pump is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for pumping fluids out of the storage chamber. A dispensing valve is coupled in fluid communication with the pump and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position preventing the passage of fluid out of the dispenser, and (2) an open position for dispensing pumped fluid therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Julian V. Chan
  • Patent number: 8826948
    Abstract: A filling machine with at least one volumetric metering system which comprises a cylinder provided with a piston driven by electric or pneumatic actuation device connected to a parametrisable control unit of the machine, and provided within the lower portion with a first suction opening connected by a first suction duct to a first storage tank, with a second inlet opening connected by a second suction duct to a second tank, and with a discharge opening connected by a discharge duct to a filling nozzle. Valve systems formed of clack valves are mounted in the suction ducts and on the filling nozzle, each valve system being driven individually for opening and for closing by individual electric and/or pneumatic actuation device connected to the control unit of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Philippe Macquet, Thierry Loaec
  • Patent number: 8807180
    Abstract: The current application is directed to a single-spout, dual-channel recyclable-fuel fueling nozzle that extracts spent fuel from a vehicle and introduces fresh fuel into the vehicle via a single filler neck. Liquids move in two different directions within two separate channels of the dual-channel recyclable-fuel fueling nozzle to and from two different reservoirs within the vehicle, including a fresh-fuel reservoir and a spent-fuel reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Asemblon, Inc.
    Inventor: David O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8783306
    Abstract: A device for delivering liquids and in particular beverages, comprising a feed line, which is flow-connected to a dispensing chamber for the liquid and which delivers the liquid to the dispensing chamber, a first discharge line, which is flow-connected to the dispensing chamber and which drains the liquid from the dispensing chamber, and a second discharge line, which is flow-connected to the dispensing chamber and which drains the liquid from the dispensing chamber. A valve body is arranged in the dispensing chamber, the valve body comprising a magnetizable material and being moveable in relation to the dispensing chamber, and the valve body being suited to at least partially closing at least one discharge line, and a magnetic element for moving the valve body being provided outside the dispensing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Roidl, Stefan Poeschl
  • Patent number: 8776845
    Abstract: A fuel tank opening and closing device is equipped with a flap valve mechanism arranged inside the tank opening forming member, having an opening and closing member for which the inlet is opened and closed by being pressed by the tip of the fueling nozzle, a shaft provided at the tip of the opening and closing member, and a bearing mechanism provided on the tank opening forming member for supporting the shaft so as to be rotatable. The bearing mechanism has a shaft support recess in which the shaft is inserted and a plurality of shaft restriction projections provided projecting from the wall surface of the shaft support recess, and the shaft restricting projections have a cross section arc shaped shaft support surface such that there is contact with a portion of the outer periphery of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 8776839
    Abstract: A filling element for filling containers includes a housing having a liquid channel, a connection for feeding liquid into the channel, a discharge port for discharging liquid into a container provided in a sealed position on the filling element, a valve in the channel between the connection and the port, an actuator for opening and closing the channel, a gas path for pre-stressing the container's interior with gas and returning displaced gas, a switching valve in the gas path, the valve being switchable by the actuator between a first state for use while pre-stressing and a second switched state for use with displaced gas, wherein in the first state, the gas path has a first effective flow cross section, and in the second state, the gas path has a second effective flow cross section, the second effective flow cross section being different from the first effective flow cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clusserath, Manfred Hartel
  • Patent number: 8752597
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle includes a removable valve subassembly that controls the flow of fluid and the recovery of fluid vapor through the body of the nozzle. The subassembly may be pre-assembled and installed within a nozzle body as a single unit. The nozzle may include a vacuum-driven automatic shut-off system which prevents fluid from flowing through the nozzle when the downstream end of the nozzle spout is submerged. The shutoff system may also be magnetically actuated to allow for dry testing in which the automatic shut-off functionality is testing without dispensation of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Vadim Tumarkin
  • Patent number: 8739842
    Abstract: An air to liquid regulator valve for use with a vapor recovery system that recovers vapors expelled from a vehicle receiving fuel through a fuel supply passage and returns the vapors to an underground storage tank through a vapor return passage in a service station environment. The regulator valve includes a housing defining a fuel flow path in fluid communication with the fuel supply passage and a vapor return path in fluid communication with the vapor return passage, a vapor return orifice defined by the housing and disposed between a first portion and a second portion of the vapor return path, and a vapor flow bypass in fluid communication with the first portion and the second portion of the vapor return path such that the flow of vapors through both the vapor flow bypass and the vapor return orifice is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventors: David Bolt, James C. Little, Niranjan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 8726947
    Abstract: A fuel-fill adapter for use in conjunction with a manually-controlled liquid supply nozzle for filling a fuel reservoir is disclosed. The adaptor mates with liquid supply nozzle as well as the filling port of the fuel reservoir. The fuel fill adaptor includes two main fluid pathways: an incoming pathway for liquid to fill the reservoir and an outgoing pathway for vapor venting or excess liquid draining. The fuel-fill adaptor includes a low-pressure differential vacuum-breaking valve to prevent the siphon effect that would otherwise naturally occur if liquid were to enter the gas venting hose. The vacuum-breaking valve permits air to enter the adaptor, wherein the air is then drawn down the drain hose instead of any additional liquid. The vacuum breaking valve can be connected to either the incoming liquid or vent/drain pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Willey, Harry Lichter
  • Patent number: 8720502
    Abstract: A nozzle includes a nozzle body having a nozzle tip for engaging a fuel hose coupling, the tip extending from the body, and a valve sleeve for opening and closing a fuel path between the tip and the body. The tip is mounted within the body on a flexible shaft, so as to accommodate misalignment between the nozzle and the fuel hose coupling. This eliminates the need for a bearing at the end of the shaft, which causes a pressure drop in the nozzle. The shaft is axially slidable in the mounting in a first portion of the nozzle body. The first and second portions of the body are joined with a weak link, which is frangible in the event of excessive load, to release the abutment and allow the nozzle tip to travel towards the body and close the fuel path. Thus a separate shut-off valve is not required. Also a pressure regulator sleeve moves out of the nozzle body towards the nozzle tip in the event of excessive fuel pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Flight Refuelling Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Mouskis
  • Patent number: 8695645
    Abstract: A fuel transfer system and a method of using said system by an operator in transferring fuel from a fuel tank or fuel line of an off-road or sport/recreational vehicle to the fuel tank of a second vehicle, the fuel tank of auxiliary equipment or to some other reservoir is provided. The fuel transfer system generally comprises a fuel transfer fitting, a flexible conduit, and a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: McAvey Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Michael McAvey, Walter Edlin
  • Patent number: 8631840
    Abstract: A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable items comprises a housing, a compressor assembly housed within the housing, a connecting device having an inlet connected to the compressor assembly and a seat adapted to be fluidically connected to a container assembly for a sealing liquid and to the inlet, a valve configured to be opened automatically when the container assembly is connected to the connection device and elastically maintained in a first position such as to fluidically disconnect the inlet from the seat when the container assembly is disconnected from the connecting device, and a flexible tube fluidically connected to the compressor assembly. In particular, the connecting device comprises an outlet fluidically connected to the valve so as to be fluidically connected to the inlet when the valve is in the first position, and in that the flexible tube is connected to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Tek Global S.r.l.
    Inventors: Sergio Lolli, Wenhao Chen
  • Patent number: 8631839
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling liquids and in particular beverages into containers, including a filling device for filling the liquid into the containers, including a liquid line which supplies the liquid to the filling device, wherein the liquid in the liquid line flows in a first flow direction and wherein a flow measuring device is disposed in the liquid line, which flow measuring device determines the quantity of the liquid passing through the flow measuring device in the first flow direction. According to the invention, the flow measuring device is designed in such a way that it also determines the quantity of the liquid passing through the flow metering device in a second flow direction which is opposite to the first flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Rupert Meinzinger
  • Patent number: 8627861
    Abstract: A dispenser for holding multiple doses of fluids or other substances, and for dispensing the substances, has a vial, a flexible bladder received within the vial, and a variable volume storage chamber formed between the bladder and vial. A filling valve is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position hermetically sealing the storage chamber from the ambient atmosphere, and (2) an open position allowing the passage of fluid through the valve both to evacuate the storage chamber and to introduce fluid through the valve to fill the storage chamber. A pump is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for pumping fluids out of the storage chamber. A dispensing valve is coupled in fluid communication with the pump and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position preventing the passage of fluid out of the dispenser, and (2) an open position for dispensing pumped fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Julian V. Chan
  • Patent number: 8622101
    Abstract: A filler tube assembly is used with a fuel pump nozzle having a pressure sensing port. The filler tube assembly includes a receiver having an inner wall defining an aperture, which receives the pump nozzle. The inner wall defines an orifice and a seal is coupled to the inner wall about the orifice for defining a chamber between the inner wall, the seal, and the fuel pump nozzle when the fuel pump nozzle is disposed in the aperture. A vacuum tube has a coupled end in fluid communication with the orifice and an open end in fluid communication with the fuel tank. The receiver defines a rim for seating the fuel pump nozzle in the aperture to align the pressure sensing port with the orifice. When fuel covers the open end of the vacuum tube, a pressure change is transmitted through the filler tube assembly to the pressure sensing port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory F. Smith, David G. Smith
  • Patent number: 8590580
    Abstract: A method for replacing a volume of coolant fluid in a circulating system in diesel engine system that includes the steps of establishing pneumatic connection with at least one location in the diesel engine coolant fluid circulating system; establishing fluid connection with at least one point in the diesel engine coolant fluid circulating system, the fluid connection location being different from the pneumatic connection; and after pneumatic and fluid connection is established, drawing a vacuum pressure through said pneumatic connection and introducing the volume of coolant fluid into the through said fluid connection as well as a device for accomplishing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: K.J. Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Ram D. Bedi, George Blundy
  • Patent number: 8578977
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas filling and dispensing device that includes a body to be provided in the opening of a pressurized gas storage tank, a gas tapping circuit extending between a first upstream end to be connected to the inside of the tank and a second downstream end to be connected to a gas user, a filling duct having a first upstream end to be connected to the inside of the tank and a second downstream end to be connected to a filling member, said filling duct including at least one portion distinct from the tapping circuit, and the filling duct including a first valve, characterized in that the filling duct includes a second isolation valve arranged in series with the first valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alessandro Moretti, Philippe Pisot, Maxime Dupont
  • Patent number: 8573262
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting an ORVR-compatible Stage II vapor recovery system to maintain the air-to-liquid (A/L) ratio within desired tolerances or limits to meet regulatory and/or other requirements. An air flow sensor (AFS) or vapor flow meter measures the amount of recovered vapor for a dispensing point to calculate the recovery efficiency of the system in the form of the A/L ratio. Volume or flow rate measurements can be used. ORVR fueling transactions are either minimized or excluded from the A/L ratio, so that the A/L ratio is not artificially lowered due to a blocked or altered recovery. The A/L ratio is then compared to a desired or nominal A/L ratio. Adjustments to the recovery system are made within prescribed safety tolerances if the A/L ratio differs from the desired ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventor: Kevin Hughes
  • Patent number: 8539993
    Abstract: A fuel tank opening and closing device is equipped with a flap valve mechanism having an opening and closing member for opening and closing an inlet inside a tank opening forming member. The nozzle positioning guide mechanism has a first support mechanism of an opening peripheral edge of an introduction port of an insertion path of a tank opening forming member, a second support mechanism having an introduction guide surface formed on the top surface of the pressing member of the opening and closing member, and a positioning ridge line that has a curvature almost the same but slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fueling nozzle and which touches by line contact on the outer peripheral surface of the fueling nozzle at the insertion completion position, and a third support mechanism having a valve positioning member which regulates the degree of openness of the opening and closing member by touching the inner wall of the tank opening forming member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 8539991
    Abstract: A vacuum-assist fuel dispensing nozzle has a body defining a fuel supply passage and a vapor return passage each having a control valve operated simultaneously by a hand actuated lever pivotally connected to an axially movable tubular member retained by a diaphragm actuated clutch. A fuel dispensing spout extends from the body and a fuel responsive poppet valve, and the spout encloses an air bleed passage which actuates the clutch. The housing supports a vapor flow responsive valve within the vapor passage and includes a ferrous valve member or disc movable within retainers between a closed position contacting an annular seat to block the flow of vapor and an open position permitting a free flow of vapor through the vapor passage. A circular magnet is supported by the retainers and magnetically attracts the valve disc to the closed position in response to no flow of vapor through the vapor passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Veeder-Root LLC
    Inventors: Cameron D. Carmack, David L. Imler
  • Patent number: 8511353
    Abstract: A fuel tank opening and closing device is equipped with a flap valve mechanism having an opening and closing member for opening and closing an inlet inside a tank opening forming member. The nozzle positioning guide mechanism has a first support mechanism of an opening peripheral edge of an introduction port of an insertion path of a tank opening forming member, a second support mechanism having an introduction guide surface formed on the top surface of the pressing member of the opening and closing member, and a positioning ridge line that has a curvature almost the same but slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fueling nozzle and which touches by line contact on the outer peripheral surface of the fueling nozzle at the insertion completion position, and a third support mechanism having a valve positioning member which regulates the degree of openness of the opening and closing member by touching the inner wall of the tank opening forming member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 8505594
    Abstract: A container filling element for filling containers with a liquid. The filling element has two liquid ducts and two separate discharge openings in a housing, as well as separate valves which control the flow of liquid for each liquid duct and discharge opening. A gas shutoff element is disposed in one of the liquid ducts and is positioned adjacent to each of the discharge openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 8505595
    Abstract: A beverage system includes an ingredient module and an ingredient dispensing valve dispensing an ingredient into a beverage container. The ingredient module comprises a housing, an ingredient container disposed within the housing, a first ingredient conduit disposed between the ingredient container and the ingredient dispensing valve, and a pumping device that causes the ingredient to move from the ingredient container, through the first ingredient conduit, and through the ingredient dispensing valve under pressure. A valve receives the ingredient from the pumping device and passes the ingredient to the dispensing valve. The valve includes a second ingredient conduit, where the valve controls the size of the second ingredient conduit, such that the size of the second ingredient conduit is reduced during dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve and enlarged when the dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Bragg, Harry Wing, Nicholas M. Patterson, Roberto Nevarez, Paul Hanniffy