With Additional Support Patents (Class 141/340)
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Patent number: 6345398Abstract: A drain plug with a central drainage aperture for a bath tub including a plug insert dimensioned for positioning within the water drain of the bath tub. The plug insert has an conduit extending between its wide upper end and the narrow lower end. A plug cover is provided that is dimensioned for covering the water drain of the bath tub around the plug insert. The plug cover is integral with the plug insert.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Inventor: Samuel Maxson
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Publication number: 20020007866Abstract: An oil drip catching apparatus includes a wall mounting bracket having a base portion adapted for attachment to a wall, a top portion, integral with the base portion and adapted for receiving an upper rim of a funnel, and a bottom portion, integral with the base portion and spaced apart from the top portion. A means for receiving a drip catching bottle in dowardly directed and adapted for removable engagement with the bottle. A spring is engaged with the bottom portion, and adapted for directing a spring force upwardly on the funnel, the Drips from the funnel are directed into the drip catching bottle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventor: Dana Swan
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Patent number: 6276410Abstract: An oil funnel assembly for providing a user with a more efficient and quicker way to change oil. The oil funnel assembly includes a funnel that includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a distribution opening that is designed for inserting into an oil receiving port of an engine. A plurality of dividers are coupled to the upper portion of the funnel. The dividers are positioned to form a grid that includes a plurality of spaces. Each of the spaces is designed for receiving and holding an inverted oil container such that oil in the inverted oil container drains into the funnel and out of the distribution opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Stephen G. Esmeralda
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Patent number: 6273155Abstract: A oil collecting and draining device for easy transportation and depositing of oil drained from a vehicle. The oil collecting and draining device includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The top wall is generally divided into a first portion positioned adjacent to the back wall and a second portion positioned adjacent to the front wall. The top wall is collapsed toward the bottom wall and has a lowest point located in a central area of the first portion. The top wall has an aperture therein extending into an interior of the housing. The aperture is located in the central area of the first portion. A pipe is attached to the front wall and is in communication with an interior of the housing. A valve is positioned on the pipe for selectively opening or closing the pipe. A support structure supports the housing above a ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Inventor: Leonardo C. Cacho
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Patent number: 6223792Abstract: A funnel cap device for a fluid container includes a funnel-shaped member having a passage therethrough extending between a wide end and a narrow end thereof, and a cap member attached to the funnel-shaped member for selectively opening and closing the narrow end of the passage. A hub portion extends from the narrow end of the funnel-shaped member, the cap member being slidable on the hub portion between open and closed positions. The cap member and hub portion include a cooperating aperture and seal tab which mutually engage in the closed position to prevent fluid flow. The funnel cap device is attachable to a fluid container having a spout on one end. The funnel-shaped member includes an intermediate portion having a thread pattern on an inner surface for engaging similar threads on the spout in an upright orientation where the funnel-shaped member engages the neck of the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Ray N. Slagle
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Patent number: 6223793Abstract: An automotive vehicle remote fill fluid reservoir is provided. In a preferred embodiment the fluid reservoir includes a main body to contain the fluid. A neck is fluidly connected with the main body and is inclined toward a region of the engine compartment which is more readily accessible. An extendable funnel is also provided which has flanges along its extreme ends to prevent the funnel from falling into the fluid reservoir or being inadvertently pulled out of the fluid reservoir. The funnel is flexible and has an outwardly flared upper end to prevent fluid spills.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Michael F Donoughe, Daniel J Flesher
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Patent number: 6209595Abstract: A refillable dispensing apparatus is disclosed in which a removable cap is utilized to protectively overlie the container during its storage condition and the cap may be readily converted into a funnel for refilling the depleted container. The conversion of the cap into a funnel is achieved by removing and reversing the cap, with the cap being configured and dimensioned to define a trough like container having a funnel extension which communicates with the container opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.Inventor: Thomas C. Granath
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Patent number: 6155315Abstract: A funnel with spill guard for preventing the contents of a liquid container from overflowing. The inventive device includes a funnel member having an open end, a tapered body, a neck, a threaded nipple within the neck, and an extended tube extending from the neck and the threaded nipple. The extended tube extends into the container thereby creating an air pocket of equal height that preferably has a volume sufficient to receive the entire contents of the funnel member. The air pocket is sealed within the container between the liquid level and the threaded nipple until the user loosens the threaded nipple to allow the air within the air pocket to escape. The extended tube preferably includes a filter member for catching debris within the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Inventor: Willis H. Peterson
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Patent number: 6116299Abstract: A vented self-supporting filling device for providing a filling device that can be stably positioned within an opening of a receiving container. The device includes a conical member having an open top end and an open bottom end, and a tubular member integrally joined to the conical member. The tubular member has an open upper end and an open lower end, wherein the open upper end is integrally joined to and communicates with the open bottom end of the conical member. A plurality of outer fingers outwardly project from the tubular member for stably supporting the filling device in a generally upright orientation when positioned within an opening of a receiving container. In addition, a plurality of inner fingers inwardly project from the conical member for stably supporting a pouring container when positioned within the filling device in an inverted orientation.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventors: Lane A. Cummins, Donnie J. Strybos
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Patent number: 6109313Abstract: A oil recycler for collecting used oil such as from the draining of oil from an engine so that the used oil may be dispensed into storage containers at measured volumes. The oil recycler includes a trough with a plurality of depressions downwardly extending from the bottom of the trough. Each depression has a bore therethrough. A support structure is included for supporting the trough above a resting surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventor: Brian C. Phelps
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Patent number: 6105640Abstract: Sandbag filling apparatuses and methods of forming sandbag filling apparatuses are described. In one embodiment, a light-weight sandbag filling apparatus includes a base which is placable on the ground proximate a pile of sand. A support member is connected with the base and extends away therefrom. A pair of spaced-apart, sand-intake funnels are supported on opposite sides of the support member. The funnels include respective inlets and outlets and are positioned by the support member above the ground a distance which is sufficient to enable both (a) a person standing on the ground proximate the sand pile to shovel amounts of sand directly into the inlets, and (b) a person or persons to hold a sandbag adjacent one or both of the outlets to receive sand amounts which are shoveled directly into the associated inlet. In another embodiment, a sandbag filling apparatus includes a base, a support post connected with the base and extending away therefrom along a long axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Inventors: David D. Holand, Ronald M. Stone
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Patent number: 6098678Abstract: A cleaner funnel is provided having a lid for closing the inlet end and a plurality of accessories that are removably attachable to the outlet end of the funnel. One accessory is a reducer that reduces the diameter of the outlet end hole in order to service containers having smaller opening widths. A second accessory is a cap-reservoir for closing off the outlet end hole of the funnel and collecting and storing any remnant fluid in the funnel body. The accessories are stored on receptacles located on the exterior of the funnel which makes them clean during storage, as well as, readily and easily available for use. Further, the funnel remains clean and ensures the integrity of the liquid being transferred via the funnel by use of the lid, the cap-reservoir and the external storage of the accessories.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventor: Randall C. Shears
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Patent number: 6085806Abstract: An oil drain kit for collecting used motor oil comprising an oil drain collection pan, having a bottom wall raised at the center and sloping to its marginal extremity where it is joined with a side wall having a radial flange at the top of the wall and which extends circumferentially thereabout with a downwardly extending edge portion. The bottom wall is provided at its extremity adjacent its junction with the side wall with at least three discharge openings, each with a funnel spout extending downwardly therefrom. The spouts are adapted to receive the necks of empty oil containers which connect therewith and serve as supporting legs for the drain collection pan. A tray receives the containers when placed therein and facilitates sliding the kit under the oil drain plug of a motor to collect used oil draining therefrom and for removing it when draining is completed.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Inventors: Chester Ray Davis, Joann Davis
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Patent number: 6035908Abstract: The present apparatus relates to a funnel which is used to transfer food or liquid into receptacles, such as reclosable freezer or storage bags. The funnel is comprised of an ovalized wide mouth opening and a long neck with a plurality of legs which are rounded at the end and extend downwardly from the bottom portion of the neck. Once placed inside the bag, the neck of the funnel serves as a supporting device for interior wall of the storage bag and prevents the bag from collapsing upon filling. The plurality of legs provides for slotted openings at the base of the funnel which allow for quick disbursement of the food or liquid and prevents clogging of the funnel or backflow of the funnel chamber during the transfer of foods or liquids. Although the funnel is designed to fit within a quart size storage bag, an adaptable base which can be screwed on and off the base if the funnel can be used to accommodate different size bags or receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventor: Ross W. Hoffmann
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Patent number: 6032825Abstract: A frozen confection holder is provided for use with a circular cup, preferably a plastic "tipper" cup suitable for a child. The frozen confection holder provides a lid mountable to the mouth of a cup, which an annular lip extending from the lid. The lip grips the mouth of the cup. A slot is provided in the lid and is sized and configured to grip a stick attached to a frozen confection. The lid is configured to direct the flow of melted liquid toward a drainage opening defined in the lid. Once the frozen confection on the stick has been consumed by the user, the stick and lid can be removed from the cup and the collected liquid may be sipped directly from the cup.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventor: Christopher L. Guthrie
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Cooling system filling aid and method of filling the cooling system of an internal combustion engine
Patent number: 5992481Abstract: A filling aid for field filling the engine cooling system of automotive vehicles with cooling liquids. For field service, the filling aid is mounted in a stabilized upright orientation by an integral fluid sealing connection to a filler neck of the deareation chamber of a coolant bottle of the system so that it extends above the bottle. Coolant is added into the cooling system through the filling aid until the filling aid and deareation chamber are filled with coolant. Because a taller column of coolant has been established by use of the filling aid, potential energy is increased and coolant is quickly fed by increased pressure and force into the engine cooling system. When sufficient coolant fills the system, any coolant left in the filling aid may be released by removing a closure clamp previously installed on an overflow tube leading from the deareation chamber so that it drains with no spills from the filling aid to an overflow chamber of the coolant bottle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventor: Gary M. Smith -
Patent number: 5979516Abstract: A funneling apparatus for selectively directing the flow of materials out of a container. The funneling apparatus has a funnel with an inlet having a device for detachably securing the funnel to the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: Edward M. Grant
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Patent number: 5981292Abstract: A sample cup insert has a tubular wall and a flange extending inwardly at an acute angle from the tubular wall. When the sample cup, into which the sample cup insert is inserted, is filled with sample and sealed by a film that forms a window through which the sample is analyzed, air bubbles collect under the film. The air bubbles are transferred under the flange of the sample cup insert, and out of the portion of the sample to be analyzed, by rotating the sample cup, and allowing the air bubbles to flow up the side of the sample cup insert over the flange, and then returning the sample cup to its original position, thereby trapping the air bubbles under the flange. The flange of the sample cup insert retains these air bubbles outside of the portion of the sample to be analyzed.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Metuchen Scientific Inc.Inventor: Ralph H. Obenauf, Jr.
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Patent number: 5967201Abstract: A drainage system is provided including a hollow housing and a flexible hose having a first end connected to a bottom of the housing and a second end with a oil port couple for being releasably connected to an oil port of a vehicle. Situated on the housing is a valve for selectively allowing a fluid within the housing to flow through the hose. Next provided is a hanging assembly mounted on the housing for hanging the same.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Carlton L. Gasior
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Cooling system filling aid and method of filling the cooling system of an internal combustion engine
Patent number: 5950695Abstract: A filling aid for field filling the engine cooling system of automotive vehicles with cooling liquids. For field service, the filling aid is mounted in a stabilized upright orientation by an integral fluid sealing connection to a filler neck of the deareation chamber of a coolant bottle of the system so that it extends above the bottle. Coolant is added into the cooling system through the filling aid until the filling aid and deareation chamber are filled with coolant. Because a taller column of coolant has been established by use of the filling aid, potential energy is increased and coolant is quickly fed by increased pressure and force into the engine cooling system. When sufficient coolant fills the system, any coolant left in the filling aid may be released by removing a closure clamp previously installed on an overflow tube leading from the deareation chamber so that it drains with no spills from the filling aid to an overflow chamber of the coolant bottle.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1999Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventor: Gary M. Smith -
Patent number: 5927353Abstract: A funnel for use in connection with reusable plastic bottles or containers includes a body portion and a spout portion extending from the body portion to a lower open end. The spout portion is formed of downwardly extending inner and outer portions in spaced apart relation from one another to define a gap therebetween sized for receiving an upper portion of a fill spout of the plastic bottle. The outer portion has an interior surface facing the inner portion. A lower portion of the interior surface has an inwardly upwardly tapered portion adapted for receiving an outwardly extending portion of the fill spout in pressing engagement therewith to allow inward compression of the outwardly extending portion against the interior surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventors: Jens H. Persson, Charles W. Gay, Jan A. Persson
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Patent number: 5921296Abstract: A substantially cone shaped body comprises a top body opening and a bottom body opening. The top body opening is larger than the bottom body opening. A generally tubular threaded neck extends outwardly from the bottom body opening. At least one adapter has a threaded first end configured to removably mate with the neck. The adapter has a threaded second end adapted to removably mate with a receiving container opening. When the adapter is mated with the neck and with the receiving container opening, the bottom body opening is in fluid communication with the receiving container opening. A lid is provided for removably covering the top body opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1998Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Inventors: Michael T. Porter, Darel H. Porter
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Patent number: 5921292Abstract: An oil change kit apparatus includes a cylindrically-shaped pan that supports a bracket at its upper annular surface. The bracket has a threaded bushing that receives an externally threaded stem of a funnel, the stem having a hollow open ended flow bore. The funnel adjusts in elevation relative to an underlying support surface, floor, etc. by rotation of the funnel relative to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1998Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Inventor: Jerry N. Fouts
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Patent number: 5899246Abstract: A new Vented Self-Supporting Filling Device for providing a filling device that can be stably positioned within an opening of a receiving container. The inventive device includes a conical member having an open top end and an open bottom end, and a tubular member integrally joined to the conical member. The tubular member has an open upper end and an open lower end, wherein the open upper end is integrally joined to and communicates with the open bottom end of the conical member. A plurality of outer fingers outwardly project from the tubular member for stably supporting the filling device in a generally upright orientation when positioned within an opening of a receiving container. In addition, a plurality of inner fingers inwardly project from the conical member for stably supporting a pouring container when positioned within the filling device in an inverted orientation.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1997Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Inventors: Lane A. Cummins, Donnie J. Strybos
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Patent number: 5884502Abstract: The present invention concerns a combination ice chute and ice bin covering door for directing ice into the ice storage area of an ice or beverage dispenser. The ice chute cover is pivotally secured to a top surface of the beverage dispenser so that it can move from a closed position to an ice directing/loading position. In the closed position the ice chute cover serves to cover an opening to the ice storage area of the dispenser. A handle on the chute cover can be grasped to manually swing it between both positions. In the ice loading position a portion of the chute extends outward of the perimeter of the beverage dispenser. In operation, the handle is used to move the chute cover from the closed position to the loading position. A bucket of ice can then be lifted so that the open end thereof rests on the lip of the chute cover. The bucket can then be tipped upward so as to empty its ice contents onto the bottom surface of the chute cover.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: IMI Wilshire Inc.Inventors: Brian Carter Jones, Richard Norman Chasse, Jeffrey Alan Rutchik, Robert Allen Crosby, Jr., David George Kmetz
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Patent number: 5878799Abstract: A pencil drain fuel fixture for defueling aircraft pencil drains is provi. The pencil drain fixture has an extendable strut with a non-slip rubber base. The strut is set up on the tarmac under an aircraft pencil drain and extended to engage the drain. The upper end of the strut contains a funnel and pencil drain release rod mechanism which opens the pencil drain and by funnel and drain tube directs the fuel to a catch basin.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Sidney L. Hannick
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Patent number: 5868180Abstract: There is provided a low cost funnel for directing the flow of fluid concrete to the form for a concrete wall or a concrete block wall. The funnel can be unitary and of plastic. Further, the funnels can be nested with each other for ease of storage and cost of transportation.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1995Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Inventor: John Hendrickson
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Patent number: 5865094Abstract: A beverage maker comprises a frame which has an upper panel with one or more circular or oval apertures into which may be inserted metal or plastic holders for paper beverage filters. A middle panel comprises an adjustable drip shelf. The drip shelf is placed at a distance below the upper panel, which spacing is large enough to admit cups of typical size and small enough to prevent excessive spillage when fluid drains down from the filter holders into the cups. What spillage does occur passes through perforations in the drip shelf and is collected in a removable drip pan. Hot water is poured into individual filter holders by hand, which produces a plurality of small portions of beverage simultaneously or in rapid succession for beverage service in a commercial environment. Alternatively, fixed members for dispensing water into the filter holders can be added above the top panel, such as push-button fixed-volume fluid dispensers or manual spigots.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Inventor: Michael J. Kealy
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Patent number: 5857504Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible funnel that is easily adaptable to a variety of liquid receptacles, with an associated moveable rod, extending within the funnel, connected to a screw cap which provides for the funnel to be pushed into a liquid receptacle, through a filling spout therein, in a collapsed position when not in use. The collapsible funnel needs to be pulled out of the liquid receptacle to automatically assume a standing and extended operative position over and in association with the spout and facilitates the filling of the liquid receptacle, especially when moveable rod with screw cap partially clear the way in order for funnel to easily receive the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Inventor: Christian Tremblay
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Patent number: 5857503Abstract: A fluid channeling device to facilitate the draining of fluid from a fluid reservoir in a motor vehicle. The device may be attached to the vehicle so that it remains generally fixed, or the device may be temporarily attached to the vehicle for use while changing the fluid in the vehicle. The device is generally positioned below or in proximity to where the drained fluid will originate so that the device collects and channels fluid flowing from the point of origin. The device also includes an elongated throat section so that a hose may be attached to the device to further facilitate channeling the drained fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Transnav, Inc.Inventor: Percy P. Vreeken
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Patent number: 5775385Abstract: The invention is a method for changing oil that is much quicker, easier, and cleaner. To use the method one changes his oil in the regular way however he replaces the plug in the oil pan of the engine with a plug that has a quick disconnect valve on it. Then the next time one wishes to change oil he uses a container with a used oil tube connected to it. At the end of the used oil tube opposite the end connected to the closed container a quick disconnect is attached to the tube and said quick disconnect is adapted to fit the quick disconnect of the plug in the bottom of the oil pan. Thus, to remove oil from the motor vehicle one only has to connect the tube on the container to the tube in the plug at the bottom of the oil pan. In the preferred embodiment the plug in the bottom of the oil pan has a tube that runs out of it to the edge of the motor vehicle and this tube has a quick disconnect attached to the end opposite the end of the tube attached to the plug.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Inventor: Charles R. Tackett, Sr.
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Patent number: 5762120Abstract: A threaded jar funnel for easy pouring of material into a jar, without leakage or spillage, has an upper part, with upper and lower conical segments, and a lower cylindrical part having threads on the inside. The upper conical segment of the upper part has a small angle to the vertical and the lower conical segment has a larger angle to the vertical than the upper conical segment. The upper conical segment merges into the lower conical segment to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, larger funnel capacity and smoother flow of contents into a jar coupled to the funnel. The lower cylindrical threaded part has a rim, which provides a tight seal when the funnel is coupled to a jar.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Inventor: Alan Smith
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Patent number: 5732753Abstract: A new Concrete Wall Form Aligning Funnel System for funneling concrete from a concrete truck chute into a narrow form wall without spillage. The inventive device includes a tube, a bottom wall is secured to and enclosing an end of the tube, an opening concentrically projects into the bottom wall, a first and second guide member is secured to the bottom wall adjacent the opening for slidably engaging the form wall. The inventive device also includes at least one handle secured to an exterior portion of the tube for allowing the user to manually manipulate the present invention. The guide members slide within the upper portion of the form wall thereby constantly aligning the opening concentrically within the form wall for preventing spillage.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Inventors: Robert Danzi, Anthony Danzi
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Patent number: 5685351Abstract: A filler adapter assembly for a multichambered container. The filler adapter mounts on the open end of a multichambered container. The filler adapter enables individual chambers within the container to be emptied or filled without contaminating adjacent chambers. The assembly includes a filler adapter and a releasable closure. The filler adapter is a hollow tubular member having a closure end which matingly engages the open end of the container. The closure end provides plugs and a gasket for sealing all chambers except a single selected chamber. A small opening in the closure end overlies the selected chamber providing fluid communication between the selected chamber and a conical lumen within the filler adapter. The releasable closure provides a leak proof seal between the filler adapter and container. The stem of the funnel or similar device may be placed in the larger opening of the conical lumen and a fluid introduced into the selected chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Inventors: Randal Kazarian, David Mills
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Patent number: 5662249Abstract: A shaking container designed with built in measuring cup, funnel and pour spout intended to measure, mix and pour a powdered material with a liquid. This container will enable the user to invert the cap to sit in the container opening, using this cap as a measuring cup, as it has measure markers inside the cap. When measure completed, the top spout, inverted into the container, to be unsnapped, thereby funneling the powder down into the container. The container to be filled with liquid, then cap replaced in closed position. With pour spout snapped, shaking can commence.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Inventor: Allison Grosse
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Patent number: 5655580Abstract: A device is used to drain a viscous fluid from a substantially empty pouring container into a substantially full receiving container. The device contains a vertically-oriented funnel having an open wide top and an open narrow bottom, a top damping means connected to the funnel and adapted to clamp and hold a pouring container in an inverted position over and in vertical alignment with the funnel, and a bottom clamping means connected to the funnel and adapted to clamp and hold a receiving container in an upright position under and in vertical alignment with the funnel. When the top clamping means is clamped onto a substantially empty pouring container and the bottom clamping means is clamped onto a substantially full receiving container, a stable assembly is formed which can be left unattended for hours.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1996Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventor: Michael L. Schrock
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Patent number: 5647272Abstract: An extractor device for extracting, filtering, measuring, and containing a subsurface portion of liquid soup, which having less fat content mixed than a surface area, from a soup pot in a single dipping application; comprising: A cylinder, container body which has a center bottom hole for liquid to flow through. A perforated filter can be attached to the bottom hole for filtering during the extraction. The upper part of the container has a support structure and a handle connected. The plugging means is interconnected with the support structure to be constantly closing the bottom hole. The opening means is made to be activated to disengage the plugging means to open the bottom hole. Whereby the container can be dipped into a soup pot and set the bottom hole and a lower portion of the container at a subsurface of the liquid soup.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1995Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Inventor: Sam Paramest
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Patent number: 5641007Abstract: The present invention relates to a device which can support a plurality of paint brushes and/or paint rollers and enable them to drain in an efficient manner. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a housing having rear wall component and a container component. The container includes a bottom surface which is tapered inwardly toward a draining aperture. This draining aperture can be connected to a receptacle by way of a length of tubing. Thus, the user of the device can support it upon a wall or upon the edge of a bath tub. A number of brushes and/or paint rollers can then be supported within the container portion of the device and have any paint dripping therefrom run off into the bottom surface of the container through the tube and into a receptacle for disposal or reuse. The various components of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1996Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Inventor: Peter M. Falk
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Patent number: 5638873Abstract: A funnel device having an adjustable fill regulator mechanism of a flexible siphon tube extending thru the funnel wall and into the neck of the funnel and making lateral frictional contact with an inner wall portion of the neck, the suction end of the tube having a siphon inlet which can be positioned within the neck or completely therethrough by bowing the portion of the tube lying within the funnel, the frictional contact being sufficient to retain the inlet in a position as required for filling or emptying a tank to a desired level by siphoning action.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1996Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Inventor: Forrest C. Burns
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Patent number: 5634502Abstract: A no spill oil filler (20) for an oil access opening (16) in an engine (12) of a motor vehicle (14). The no spill oil filler (20) comprises a component (22) for catching and directing a downward flow of motor oil (10) poured from an oil can (18). A structure (24) is for mounting the catching and directing component (22) into the oil access opening (16) in the engine (12) of the motor vehicle (14).Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1996Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Inventor: Michael L. Pierce
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Patent number: 5630452Abstract: A special design of a funnel for filling liquids safely especially into nontransparent containers, e.g., fuel tanks of lawn mowers. To indicate the filling level of the container, a measuring rod of a float is guided in a perforated plate of the funnel. Passage slots, through which the liquid filled into the funnel can enter the container, are located in the funnel tube under the perforated plate. Due to buoyancy, the float strikes the underside of the perforated plate, and as a result it prevents the container from being overfilled.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1995Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Inventors: Dieter Schmid, Oliver Schmid
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Patent number: 5626174Abstract: A radiator funnel and adapter to prevent spillage comprises a funnel having a fluid receiving body and a spout through which fluid is dispensed; an adapter having a tubular member, a sealing flange, a flexible seal member, and a cap abutment member; a cap having a hole for receiving the top end of the tubular member and the spout which is engageably and sealingly inserted in the tubular member; and a stopper means having a stem, a plug portion at one end of the stem, and a handle at the other end to plug the bore through the spout. The adapter fits in the fill opening of the radiator and the cap fastens over the fill opening of the radiator and urges the flexible seal member and the sealing flange against the recessed ledge in the fill opening to substantially provide a seal between the adapter and the fill opening so that as fluid is poured into the radiator, the fluid won't spill out of radiator as it commonly bubbles up through the fill opening of the radiator.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Inventor: John Schaffner
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Patent number: 5617907Abstract: A shallow conic shaped outlet fitting for containers having material to discharge through a valve fitting into a flow directing pipe. The conic fitting and the flow directing pipe each have flanges to hold the valve fitting in position, and headed bolts serve to secure the pipe flange and the conic fitting in a compact assembly utilizing nut bars on the flange for the conic fitting to receive the threaded ends of the headed bolts thereby eliminating the usual undividual bulky nuts to engage the threaded ends of the bolts.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1996Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Inventor: David E. Sisk
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Patent number: 5607004Abstract: A self-supporting funnel assembly and drip catcher for selective use in applications in which a user desires to free both the user's hands from holding the funnel in position and desires to prevent spillage of the funnelled fluid during and after use. The funnel is made up of a wider conical portion, the mouth of the funnel, and a narrower portion, the spout of the funnel; a base housing defining several openings; generally L-shaped clamping members, each having a vertical component projecting below the base housing and a horizontal component; and a springing mechanism, operably connected to each clamping member and the base housing. The funnel components so that a horizontal component of the clamping members appear through the side of the base housing as push-buttons, which may be simultaneously compressed with the thumb and forefinger.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Inventor: Eddie W. Cope
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Patent number: 5535793Abstract: The invention is a small funnel that is adapted to engage the oil filler port on and internal combustion engine. The funnel is intended to be permanently installed and includes a cover for preventing the entry of dirt into the engine. The small diameter end is shaped to replace the manufactures cover. The walls of the funnel near the small diameter end are pleated to allow the wide mouth end of the funnel to tip to pressure and make adding oil to the sump more convenient and eliminate oil spillage.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Inventor: Marc C. Tantre
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Patent number: 5515892Abstract: A funnel (20) for use in dumping volatile solvents into an underlying carboy (16) is ecologically friendly in that it blocks solvent from evaporating from the carboy into the atmosphere. The funnel has (a) an extended stem (22), the bottom open end of which is below the surface of the solvent (18) in the carboy to reduce surface evaporation, (b) an occluder or obturating ball (24) in the throat of the funnel to block evaporation through the stem of the funnel, and (c) a lid (28) on the funnel to block evaporation. The ball may be float operated, with or without a captivating cage (26), or it may be operated by lifting the lid, which may be performed manually or via a foot pedal (38).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1995Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Inventors: Afshin Najafi, Ramin Najafi
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Patent number: 5511593Abstract: A graphite funnel inserted into a metal funnel support sleeve guides hot glass gobs from a furnace to the glass blowing mold. The graphite insert is adjustable by set screws and is easily repositioned. The graphite insert has an outer diameter slightly less than the metal retainer to allow ambient air to pass upwardly past it.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1995Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: James E. Sweetland
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Patent number: 5494197Abstract: A material handling device for reducing spillage of flowable or particulate material dispensed into a storage bin, the device comprising an upper region defining a first opening for receiving such material and a pair of discharge members extending in a direction opposite the first opening. The device is particularly suited for placement over a horizontal support rod from which the bin is typically suspended from. The device finds wide use in electroplating applications providing methods of maintaining a uniform arrangement of bins in an electroplating tank, and methods of protecting hardware utilized for suspending bins from electroplating tank support rods.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Saranac Tank, Inc.Inventor: Gregory B. Grieves
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Patent number: 5482093Abstract: A catch basin for automotive fluids, such as oil, adapted for use beneath a mechanic's catwalk which is itself extended beneath an automobile undergoing maintenance or repair operations, is disclosed wherein the catch basin comprises a generally rectangular, planar body portion formed of two dihedrally angled planar body halves and supports for supporting the body portion beneath the catwalk. The basin may be tilted toward a downstream end, at which is located a drain hole and a selectively removable plug. The catch basin supports may be supported from the catwalk or may themselves support the catwalk. The basin may also be provided with a bay adapted to receive and support a plurality of oil filters which are to be drained.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: Baytech, Inc.Inventors: Brian M. Tremonti, Michael S. Belling, Douglas W. Holmes, Robert B. Kujawski
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Patent number: 5472025Abstract: An adaptor for stabilizing a funnel in the opening of a container consists of a body of metal or plastic which contains a central bore internally threaded at each end for accepting the threaded stem of a funnel. The body is externally threaded on one end to engage internally threaded container openings and at the other end contains an internally threaded cavity to engage externally threaded container openings.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1994Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Inventors: Randy Conrad, Karin M. Conrad