With Coupling Means Responsive To Material Flow Patents (Class 141/347)
  • Patent number: 11345588
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system generally comprising a dispensing nozzle coupled to a supply conduit; the dispensing nozzle detachably connected to a receiver; a receiver identification device associated with the receiver; an electrical identification circuit being contact-based and including the receiver identification device; an electronics module connected to the supply conduit and arranged to communicate with the electrical identification circuit whereby connection of the dispensing nozzle to the receiver completes the electrical identification circuit and permits communication of at least a unique receiver identifier associated with the receiver identification device to the electronics module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: WALNAB PTY LTD
    Inventors: Adam Peattie, Joáo Curado Silveirinha, Niran Varma, Chris Kim
  • Patent number: 10408529
    Abstract: A domestic refrigeration appliance includes a thermally insulated housing which limits a coolable interior chamber provided for storing food and being accessible through an opening. A frame-shaped end face frames the opening of the housing. A door leaf for opening and closing the opening of the housing is mounted in such a way that it can pivot relative to an axis by using at least one hinge. A cover is provided for covering the hinge. A triggering device is disposed within the cover and is configured to actuate at least one device of the domestic refrigeration appliance depending on an opening angle of the door leaf. A method for operating a domestic refrigeration appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Grimminger, Andreas Lindel, Christian Schmid, Hans Peter Werner, Gerhard Wetzl, Martin Gebler
  • Patent number: 10313458
    Abstract: A forced air hand dryer includes a communication device that communicatively couples to a computing entity in provide data regarding the use of the hand dryer, and/or to set an operating configuration of the hand dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Excel Dryer, Inc.
    Inventors: William Gagnon, Marc Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9783406
    Abstract: A dispensing device which ensures that a dispensing procedure cannot be initiated unless a firm coupling to a male coupling of a recipient is achieved is disclosed. The dispensing device comprises a coupling body, an inner flow sleeve, a release sleeve, at least one locking element arranged in a radial opening of the coupling body and a retaining collar axially movable between a first and second position. The dispensing device further comprises means for allowing axial movement of the release sleeve towards the dispensing end of the gun, and may comprise means for allowing axial movement of the inner flow sleeve away from the dispensing end of the device, when the retaining collar is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Identic AB
    Inventor: Mats Törngren
  • Patent number: 9278844
    Abstract: A method for withdrawing a pressurized gas from a receptacle comprising a tap, the tap comprising a filler/withdrawal coupling for a pressurized gas receptacle designed to interact with a packaging connector in order to allow said receptacle to be filled with pressurized gas or for withdrawal of pressurized gas from the receptacle, the method comprising a) a first step of moving a dust-prevention valve downstream in order to open the upstream end of the circuit via a mechanical actuation and/or a fluidic actuation carried out by the packaging connector and b) a second step of moving an isolation valve to a downstream opening position via a mechanical actuation carried out by the dust-prevention valve and/or via a fluidic actuation carried out by the gas delivered by the packaging connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Antoine Frenal, Philippe Pisot, Cyril Manscourt
  • Patent number: 9193578
    Abstract: A filler-withdrawal coupling for a pressurized gas receptacle comprising a body defining an internal filler circuit between an upstream end designed to be connected to a packaging connector and a downstream end designed to be connected to a receptacle, the coupling comprising an isolation valve that can move relative to a seat between an upstream position for closing the circuit and a downstream position for opening the circuit, said isolation valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member, the coupling also comprising a dust-prevention valve placed upstream of the isolation valve, said dust-prevention valve being able to move relative to the body between an upstream position for closing the upstream end of the circuit and a downstream position for opening the circuit upstream end, said dust-prevention valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Antoine Frenal, Philippe Pisot, Cyril Manscourt
  • Patent number: 8844587
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking fuel pump fuel dispenser nozzle and especially to a locking fuel pump fuel dispenser nozzle having a locking mechanism for automatically locking a fuel nozzle spout in the vehicle filler tube whenever fuel is being pumped into the vehicle filler tube and fuel tank and which can be unlocked only when fuel pressure from the fuel pump is cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: James A. McCommons
  • Patent number: 8701723
    Abstract: A filler coupling comprising an isolation valve that can move relative to a seat between an upstream closing position and a downstream opening position, said isolation valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member, the coupling also comprising a dust-prevention valve placed upstream of the isolation valve, said dust-prevention valve comprising a downstream end and being able to move relative to the body between an upstream closing position and a downstream opening position, said dust-prevention valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member, characterized in that the dust-prevention valve can be moved selectively downstream either: in a first determined downstream position opening the upstream end in which the downstream end of the dust-prevention valve does not push the upstream end of the isolation valve, or in a second determined downstream position opening the upstream end, in which the downstream end of the dust-prevention valve pushes an upstream end of the movable isol
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Antoine Frenal, Cyrill Manscourt, Philippe Pisot
  • Patent number: 8695651
    Abstract: A filler coupling for a pressurized gas receptacle comprising a body defining an internal filler circuit between an upstream end designed to be connected to a packaging connector and a downstream end designed to be connected to a receptacle, the coupling comprising an isolation valve that can move relative to a seat between an upstream position for closing the circuit and a downstream position for opening the circuit, said isolation valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member, the coupling also comprising a dust-prevention valve placed upstream of the isolation valve, said dust-prevention valve being able to move relative to the body between an upstream position for closing the upstream end of the circuit and a downstream position for opening the circuit upstream end, said dust-prevention valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member, characterized in that the dust-prevention valve supports a filter interposed on the path of at least a portion of the fluid that travels betwee
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Antoine Frenal, Cyril Manscourt, Philippe Pisot
  • Patent number: 8678051
    Abstract: An instrument for filling a substance supply container of a device for personal care treatment has a filling needle having a proximal end connected or connectable to a storage reservoir and a distal end, a substance transport conduit extending from the proximal end to at least one outlet provided in a radially facing surface portion closely adjacent the distal end of the filling needle. A sleeve is arranged around the filling needle and is movable between a first position closing off the at least one outlet and a second position proximally away from the first position and the at least one outlet. A system including such an instrument, a container for cooperation with such an instrument and for provisioning a device for personal care treatment as well as a device for personal care treatment including such a container are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Molema, Wilko Westerhof, Bartele Hendrik De Vries, Reinier Niels Lap, Olaf Martin De Jong, Bart-Jan Zwart, Johannes Rogier De Vrind
  • Patent number: 8613297
    Abstract: Fuel supplies including multiple valve components and fuel cell systems having increased operational resistance to the insertion and/or removal of fuel supplies are disclosed. The increased operational resistance is provided by increased insertion or removal forces, multiple relative motions for insertion and/or removal, latches, actuators, ON/OFF switches, cognitive ability of the user, visual alignment, audio feedback, size of the user's hand, inter alia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Anthony Sgroi
  • Patent number: 8539994
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for transferring a liquid, such as a liquid anesthetic, from a reservoir to a machine while minimizing the release of the liquid to the surrounding environment. The apparatus can include a frame member defining a frame passage extending from a first end of the frame member to a second end of the frame member and a nozzle connected to the frame member. The nozzle can be moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the frame member, and can define a plug member configured to block the second end of the frame passage when the nozzle is in the first position. The apparatus can further include a biasing member connected to the frame member and the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Piramal Critical Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Cuzydlo
  • Patent number: 8534328
    Abstract: Adapters are provided for establishing fluid communication between an anesthetic agent container and an anesthetic vaporizer having a fluid port. The adapter may be mountable on the vaporizer to cooperate with the spout of an anesthetic agent container or may be mountable on an anesthetic agent container to cooperate with the fluid port of an anesthetic vaporizer to provide a sealing and/or retaining relationship therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventors: Jerome A. Grunstad, David A. Schuelke, Paul L. Weber, Martin E. Olson Gunderson, Simon Freed
  • Patent number: 8464766
    Abstract: Cylinder mounting mechanism is provided in a working machine for mounting thereto a cylinder case having a cassette gas cylinder accommodated therein. Mouthpiece support section is provided in the mounting mechanism for supporting a mouthpiece portion of the cassette gas cylinder in the cylinder case. Fitting recessed portion is provided in one end portion of the cylinder case and capable of receiving the mouthpiece support section, the fitting recessed portion being defined by an inner peripheral wall part of the one end portion that has a tapering wall thickness such that the surface of the wall part slants gradually outwardly toward the distal end of the fitting recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Ito, Takayuki Sato, Tomomi Nakaya
  • Patent number: 8453685
    Abstract: Provided herein are couplings useful in the transfer of liquid fuels from a remote storage reservoir to an on-board fuel tank of a motorized vehicle. There is provided a first coupling which is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of a vehicle's fuel tank, and a second coupling which is intended to be in fluid communication with the contents of a remote fuel storage reservoir. The disclosure also includes a process for charging a fuel reservoir on board of a motorized vehicle from a remote reservoir, wherein the vapor in the fuel reservoir is displaced by an equal volume of fuel delivered from said remote reservoir, and wherein the vapor in said fuel reservoir is simultaneously caused to be transferred to said remote reservoir, thus permitting no escape of the vapor from said fuel reservoir to the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Robert L. Schultz, Jr., Basil B. Tilling
  • Patent number: 8443853
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Retail Inkjet Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Herb Sarnoff, Jason Guhse, Brian J. Fox, Scott Shultz, Ceclilia Gonzales, George N Popa, III, Keith Kopitzke, Keith Emery
  • Patent number: 8387948
    Abstract: A system for communicating a substance from between substance communicating devices. A substance switch is provided for selectively transferring the substance from a first substance communicating device, such as a host or other substance source to a first substance communicating device, such as a such as a substance consumer. The substance switch is activated to communicate the substance between the first substance communicating device and the second substance communicating device in response to movement of a component associated with one of the substance communicating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Kuehl, Richard A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8381763
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas filling and dispensing device that comprises a body to be positioned 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, wherein the tapping circuit includes a first insulation valve, the device further including a safety valve subjected to the tank pressure for blocking or selectively opening a passage for the gas from the tank towards a discharge area based on the temperature and/or pressure of the gas in the tank relative to at least one predetermined threshold, characterized in that the discharge area of the safety valve is located upstream from the first insulation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, SociétéAnonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alessandro Moretti, Philippe Pisot
  • Patent number: 8382065
    Abstract: Systems and components for providing or receiving a service through a service connector system. A first substance communicating device has a first service connector component and a first switch component. A second substance communicating device has a second service connector component operably actuatable by the first service connector component to permit the communication of a service between the first and second service connector components. One of the substance communicating devices further has a second switch component operably associated with the second service connector component, the second switch component being configured to be actuatable by the first switch component when the first service connector component is adjacent the second service connector component to selectively draw the first and second service connector components into engagement to permit the communication of the service between the substance communicating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Hendrickson, Joel A. Luckman, Richard A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8342480
    Abstract: A substance communicating device for use in conjunction with an appliance or a system including an appliance and a consumable holder. The appliance has a first substance service connector component and a first service switch component. The substance communicating device has a second substance service connector component operably engageable with the first substance connector component to permit the communication of a substance between the first and second substance service connector components. The substance communicating device further has a second service switch component operably associated with the second substance service connector component, the second service switch component being configured to engage the first service switch component when the first and second substance service connector components are engaged to selectively permit the communication of the substance between the substance communicating device and the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Hendrickson, Joel A. Luckman, Richard A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8281824
    Abstract: An instrument (23) for filling a substance supply container (1) of a device (21) for personal care treatment has a filling needle (4) having a proximal end connected or connectable to a storage reservoir (22) and a distal end, a substance transport conduit (9) extending from the proximal end to at least one outlet (10, 11) provided in a radially facing surface portion closely adjacent the distal end of the filling needle (4). A sleeve (14, 15) is arranged around the filling needle (4) and is movable between a first position closing off the at least one outlet (10, 11) and a second position proximally away from the first position and the at least one outlet (10, 11). A system (20) including such an instrument (23), a container (1) for cooperation with such an instrument (23) and for provisioning a device (21) for personal care treatment as well as a device (21) for personal care treatment including such a container (1) are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Molema, Wilko Westerhof, Bartele Hendrik De Vries, Reinier Niels Lap, Olaf Martin De Jong, Bart-Jan Zwart, Johannes Rogier De Vrind
  • Patent number: 8235077
    Abstract: A refillable fuel supply assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a refillable fuel supply adapted to supply fuel to a fuel cell, a refilling fuel cartridge containing fuel to be transferred to the refillable fuel supply, and a lock-and-release device connecting the refilling fuel cartridge to the refillable fuel supply to transport fuel from the refilling fuel cartridge to the refillable fuel supply. The lock-and-release device also retains the refilling fuel cartridge to the refillable fuel supply until the refilling fuel cartridge is substantially free of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Michael Curello, David Gray
  • Patent number: 8235079
    Abstract: Provided are adapter caps comprising a housing having a top, a bottom an edge, and a hub at the top of the housing. A plunger is slidably disposed about the hub, and a plurality of lock fingers are pivotally attached to the housing substantially at the edge, the lock fingers being actuable, responsive to movement of the plunger. A guide including an inner circular wall and an outer circular wall with the inner circular wall having a passageway disposed therethrough is present at the bottom of the housing. A cap as provided is selectively attachable to a coupling fitting having a first passage through which a liquid may pass and a second passage separate and distinct from the first passage through which vapor may pass, to provide accurate fuel level readings of a reservoir to which the coupling is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Robert L. Schultz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8187574
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intermittent aerosol dispensing device, for application of a product to skin of a human being, where the aerosol dispensing device includes an intermittent injection mechanism located downstream of an aerosol valve of an aerosol dispenser and responsive to a pushbutton of the aerosol dispensing device, and the aerosol dispensing device further includes a pressure chamber. A ratio of an injection time to a stop time is set, in said intermittent injection mechanism, to 0.1 to 5.0, so that when said aerosol valve is opened a cycle of injection and stop is performed 1 to 25 times per second in order to obtain a cooling and/or massage effect on the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Dazio Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Mekata, Hiroshi Fujio
  • Patent number: 8171963
    Abstract: An extraction device for extracting fluid from a container that permits precise measurement and transfer of such fluid. A cap having a valve assembly is attached to a container holding fluid. The extraction device can be connected to the cap thereby opening the valve assembly. Fluid can be extracted from the container and measured in the extraction device. The container is automatically sealed upon removal of the extraction device from the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Troy Sonnier
  • Patent number: 8141601
    Abstract: A medical liquid transfer system includes a pump configured to transfer liquid between at least two containers. A detachable connector is detachably secured to the pump. The detachable connector has at least one pump passage to transmit pumping pressure from the pump to at least one of the containers. The detachable connector can include one or more liquid impermeable and gas permeable membranes to ensure the liquid is retained in the detachable connector. After the fluid is transferred the detachable connector is removed and replaced by a new one in order to prevent contamination of the pump. An interlock mechanism is used to prevent premature removal of the detachable connector and/or the container being filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Jean-Noël Fehr, Heiner Kaufmann, Rudolf Zihlmann, Sandro Niederhäuser, Christopher Wiegel, Eric Misselwitz, Christoph Rickert
  • Patent number: 8136791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the filling and/or extraction of a fluid, for example, in relation to a pressurized fluid tank including a body having a connection end (516) which is equipped with engagement means that are intended to co-operate with complementary engagement means which are provided, for example, on a connection interface of a tank, a member (17) for opening a valve that can move in relation to the body, actuation means (250) which can move the opening member (17) selectively and which can move between a running position and a stopped position corresponding respectively to an operating position and a rest position of the opening member (17) and a hole (105) which can receive a removable outlet or inlet coupling (75) for the distribution of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude Et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Arnaud Denis, Renaud Ligonesche, Philippe Pisot
  • Patent number: 8091594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel devices and methods of filling tanks designed for holding non-hazardous fluids, especially tanks on recreational vehicles. In a preferred embodiment, the tank to be filled is a water tank. The device of the present invention incorporates several novel and non-obvious features to create a device that permits the filling of tanks in a hands-free manner while keeping water waste to a minimum and preventing the damaging of tank, fill neck or other tank or fill components due to the over filling of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew G. Ray
  • Patent number: 7938144
    Abstract: A refueling valve assembly is a pressure-activated valve that allows a flow of fluid, for example, fluid fuel, into the fuel reservoir. A fuel inlet port allows for the fluid fuel to be introduced into the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a compressible member having a first sealing position and a second fueling position, where the compressible member is more compressed in the second fueling position than the first sealing position. The compressible member is sealingly coupled with the fuel inlet port when the compressible member is in the first sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Joerg Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7896036
    Abstract: A fuel device for a mobile body comprises a fuel tank, a power consuming device, a fuel filling connector for receiving a fuel supply, and a power supplying connector for receiving a power supply. A fuel filling system comprises a vehicle having a fuel tank and a tank information processing unit, and a fuel filling device for filling the vehicle with fuel, wherein the tank information processing unit is started at fuel filling or started by power supply from the outside of the vehicle when the fuel tank is filled with fuel based on tank information. The vehicle comprises a fuel tank and a tank information processing unit, and the tank information processing unit is started at fuel filling. The fuel filling device has a filling nozzle which is connected with the fuel filling connector and provided with a feeding side connector for supplying power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuo Kobayashi, Yasuyuki Iida
  • Publication number: 20100180983
    Abstract: A fuel storage system includes a fuel tank, a fueling receptacle in fluid communication with the tank, and a coil adjacent the fueling receptacle. The system also includes a controller configured to determine information about a state of fuel in the tank, and to cause a modulated current to be driven into the coil to generate an electromagnetic field. The modulated current represents the information about the state of fuel in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hasdi R. Hashim, Shahid Ahmed Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 7757731
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter cartridge for supplying fuel to a device set up for fuel cartridge operation alternatively to the fuel cartridges, also by means of an external tank or an external supply pipe. The adapter cartridge comprises a fuel feed device and an interface on the load side for releasing the fuel, which is formed according to the corresponding interface of the fuel cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG
    Inventors: Jens Müller, Manfred Stefener
  • Patent number: 7647954
    Abstract: A connector apparatus for controlling fluid dispensing/transmission that includes a control component for communication between couplers thereof. A first coupler has a transmitter, and is releasably connected with a mating reader coupler that has a transmitter and fluid control device to exchange information with the transmitter of the first coupler. The transmitters communicate and are operated by wireless means such as by RF devices. Upon confirming that the first coupler is properly coupled to the mating coupler and that the first coupler has a proper identification, the fluid control device controls fluid flow, using the transmitters of the first coupler and the mating reader coupler, under predetermined parameters, e.g., pressure, temperature, duration, and flow rate, as indicated in the first coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: Richard Stewart Garber, Charles Peter deCler, David W. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7575028
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle is provided with fuel activated levers that engage the vehicle fill pipe to prevent drive-off without paying. Fuel pump pressure acts on plungers to pivot fill pipe levers, against spring pressure, to lock the two together. Movement of the levers is initially prevented by a trigger that is spring biased forward on the nozzle spout. Since the fill pipe is not large enough to pass the trigger, insertion of the spout into the fill pipe moves the trigger against spring pressure to uncover the levers. The levers are locked to the fill pipe as long as pump pressure is present. Removal of fuel pressure allows the levers to be withdrawn by spring action. A breakaway joint is provided to stop fuel flow in the event of drive-off with the fuel nozzle in a fuel filled pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas G. Thorpe, Norwood Thorpe
  • Patent number: 7458400
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to increase security when connecting a connective coupling (10) used for transferring gaseous and/or liquid fluids, especially for filling motor vehicle fuel tanks, provided with a sliding sleeve (18) in order to lock connecting profile sections, especially collets (15). According to the invention, a data interface, especially a data transmitter (60), is arranged on the sliding sleeve (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventors: Erwin Weh, Wolfgang Weh
  • Patent number: 7264026
    Abstract: A personal care system (1) comprising a personal care appliance (2) which comprises a body (3), an additive outlet (7), and a first reservoir (8) which is connected with said additive outlet (7) and has a refill inlet (25) for refilling said reservoir (8), a refill unit (16) comprising a refill outlet (35) which can be coupled to the refill inlet (25) of the personal care appliance (2) for refilling the first reservoir (8), which refill unit (16) comprises a second reservoir (26) and means (13) for transporting additive from the second reservoir (26) to the first reservoir (8), when the personal care appliance (2) is coupled to the refill unit (16). The refill unit (16) is provided in a holder (5) for storing the personal care appliance when it is not in use. When the personal care appliance is stored in the same holder in which it is placed to be refilled, both functions are integrated into one holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Paul Gruber, Rembert Fertner
  • Patent number: 7237578
    Abstract: An adhesive liquid dispensing apparatus includes a gun manifold, a dispensing module, and a dispensing orifice. The inlet port of the gun manifold is directly coupled with a reservoir of adhesive hot melt liquid that is fixedly attached to the manifold. The contents of the reservoir are under pressure so that the adhesive hot melt liquid is dispensed from the adhesive liquid dispensing apparatus without the need for heated supply hoses to connect the inlet port of the manifold to a remote source of adhesive hot melt liquid. Preferably, the adhesive liquid dispensing system is coupled with a robot that controls the positioning of the system during an adhesive liquid dispensing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: George O. Porter, Leslie J. Varga
  • Patent number: 7171989
    Abstract: This application relates to a fuel dispensing system and method for safely regulating transfer of fuel between a fuel dispenser and a fuel recipient. The fuel dispensing system may be used, for example, to replenish electric vehicles that use refillable electro-chemical power generation systems, such as fuel cell hybrid systems using hydrogen fuel. The system employs a combination of interlocks and other safety features specifically adapted for high-risk indoor environments. Fueling cannot commence until the dispenser and the recipient are electrically bonded to minimize the risk of spark generation. The system may include, for example, a fuel supply subsystem for preventing fuel flow except during a fueling session, an immobilization subsystem for preventing relative movement of the dispenser and the recipient during a fueling session, a communication subsystem for enabling data exchange between the dispenser and the recipient, and a leak detection subsystem for monitoring the fueling site for fuel leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Cellex Power Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian James Corless, Noel Christopher Buckley, Darrin Grant Elliott, Carolyn A. Lawrence, David Reinhold Pfeil
  • Patent number: 7128106
    Abstract: A refueling arrangement for a direct oxidation fuel cell. A refueling cartridge includes a coupling which is geometrically keyed to a fueling port associated with the fuel cell. By properly engaging the coupling with the fueling port, a fuel flow path is opened which allows fuel to pass from the cartridge to the fuel cell. Disengaging the coupling from the fueling port closes the fuel flow path. Refueling is accomplished in rapid, trouble-free and safe manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Juan J. Becerra, Michael S. DeFilippis, Todd P. Van Duser
  • Publication number: 20040187959
    Abstract: A container for use in a closed application system includes a valve mounted to a discharge opening of the container and rotatable with the container for controlling the discharge of material from the container. The valve includes an element for engaging corresponding structure in a receptacle for receiving the contents of the container. The element engages and locks the valve in the receptacle when the valve is opened and the contents are being discharged from the container into the receptacle. The valve element and the corresponding structure on the receptacle cooperate so that the container can only be received in and removed from the receptacle when the valve is closed. In this manner, the contents in the container can be discharged only when the container is received within the receptacle and the container is rotated in a direction to open the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Keith F. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 6516839
    Abstract: Valve assembly for a container for beverage, in particular carbonated beverage such as beer, comprising a housing and a beverage channel with a valve body, wherein operating means are provided for moving the valve body, said operating means comprising: first coupling means for coupling the beverage channel to beverage dispensing means for emptying a container through or along the valve body; and second coupling means for coupling the beverage channel to a filling device for filling a container through or along the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Piet Hein Willem Timp, Patrick Michael van Baal
  • Patent number: 6425423
    Abstract: A device for localized containment of extraneous material at and in the vicinity of the interface between a material receiving body (e.g., a reaction vessel) and a material dispensing body (e.g., a powder bin). The device includes a containment chamber and a ventilation system for ventilating the interior of the containment chamber whereby extraneous material at and in the vicinity of the interface between the material receiving body and the material dispensing body is transported to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Extract Technology Limited
    Inventor: Neil Cocker
  • Patent number: 6394152
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically dispensing paint from an industry standard paint container to maintain a given level of paint in a paint roller tray. An upwardly open vessel, containing a lower surface and a plurality of walls, houses a valve actuator, which contacts a dispensing lid to release paint from an industry standard paint container. The lower surface of the upwardly open vessel is further divided into a lower, paint reservoir surface and an upper, shallow surface. An elevated surface is formed over the paint reservoir surface to support an inverted dispensing lid attached to an industry standard paint container. The dispensing lid contains an inner spring-like flange, which allows the dispensing lid to be attached to an industry standard paint container. The dispensing lid further contains a valve. When the dispensing lid, and attached paint container are inverted and placed upon the elevated surface of the upwardly open vessel, the valve actuator comes into contact with the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Phillip Martin
  • Patent number: 6391629
    Abstract: The invention relates to a static unit (1) for the production of anaerobic, micro-aerophilic or other atmospheres (e.g., CO2) in a mobile interchangeable container, which is connected, at a lid of the unit to the system for the production of the desired atmosphere in the interior of the interchangeable container. The invention also relates to an interchangeable container particularly suitable for such a device. The static unit (1) can receive mobile interchangeable containers in an aperture provided for this purpose, in which the desired atmosphere in the interior is produced fully automatically. A vacuum-operated docking cylinder automatically couples the interchangeable container, which has an internal gas supply channel for the system (4) for the production of the desired atmosphere and is pressed gas-tight against an area of the interchangeable container lid having gas inlets and outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Alois Jenny
  • Patent number: 6305441
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a tapping head arrangement for tapping beverages pressurized by gas, the device being able to be reused at a later time by any desired type of tapping head. The device comprises a housing (1) with a connection (3) for the cleaning agent and, with a separate connection (4) for the beverage. The device also has a tubular attachment (2) that can be inserted in the tapping tappet (5) of any desired tapping head (6). A tubular cleaning agent feed line (8) is arranged in this attachment. At its lower end, the feed line has two non-return safety valves (12, 13) arranged in an actuation housing (11). The safety valves can be actuated by an actuating pin (14, 15) attached to the lower part (16) of the flushing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: IPE Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Till
  • Patent number: 6202717
    Abstract: A closure member for use with a bottle wherein the bottle is threadably connected to a filling head of an apparatus for diluting and dispensing a concentrated chemical product. The closure member is frictionally fitted into the neck of the bottle and has threads to interconnect the bottle to the filling head. In a preferred manner, the frictional fit between the closure member and the bottle neck is provided by flexible finger members extending from the closure member and a rib member extending from the neck of the bottle. In another preferred manner, the closure member includes a core section for housing a valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Markey, John A. Boticki
  • Patent number: 6056029
    Abstract: A fuel-transfer system is provided for a fuel system of a vehicle. The fuel-transfer system includes a filler neck and a fuel tank having top and bottom walls. The fuel-transfer system includes a tube and a fuel conductor. The fuel conductor includes a housing and a diverter valve positioned to lie in the housing. The diverter valve is configured to intercept and guide the tube through an outlet of the housing into a fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Devall, Brian J. Williamson, Steven E. Groll, Barry A. Beyer
  • Patent number: 6053222
    Abstract: This invention solves the problem of removing undamaged inflated dunnage bags from a cargo space by using a high pressure air source to both open the dunnage bag inflation valve and to suck air out of the bag by discharging the high pressure air through a venturi system. Thus large dunnage bags may be deflated in about one minute. The deflation valves provided by this invention also serve as inflation valves by simply disabling the venturi system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Gerald Lamar Peters
  • Patent number: 5960841
    Abstract: The invention provides A pneumatically sealed rapidly attachable and demountable A-clamp type yoke for filling compressed gas cylinders having valves designed for interengagement for A-clamp type yokes, the A-clamp type yoke comprising an A-clamp type yoke housing, an opening in the housing for receiving the spout of a tank valve, a stepped cylindrical bore in the housing connected to the opening, a stepped cylindrical piston-like element held in and guided for reciprocal movement in the stepped cylindrical bore, the piston-like element being provided with a through-going conduit for gas flow and with an annular surface surrounding the outlet of the conduit and sized for sealing abutment against a sealing surface of the spout of the tank valve inserted in the opening, a compression spring in the stepped cylindrical bore urging the piston-like element and the annular surface thereof into engagement with the spout, and means of attachment of the yoke to a source hose, the means including a conduit leading to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Eilat Divers Supply Ltd.
    Inventor: Edward E. Green
  • Patent number: 5839488
    Abstract: Problems of filling dunnage bags for cushioning loads in transit in trailers, railroad cars, and the like, with air are resolved by this improved air filling bag valve and nozzle. In several respects the valves are superior in operation, wasting less air and filling time, and are less tiring for operators to use. For example, this nozzle simply slides laterally into place on the dunnage bag valve stem and locks itself there for hands off filling without manual pressure to press the nozzle axially against dunnage bag valve stems to open them, which is fatiguing with arms outstretched in the crowded spaces available. Damage is reduced that may result to dunnage bags when the filling nozzles are removed against the pressure of adjacent filled dunning bags and are withdrawn. These nozzles are simply pulled out laterally by the attached hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Gerald L. Peters