Supply Means Carried Receiver Flow Control Opening Means Patents (Class 141/348)
  • Patent number: 7631783
    Abstract: A docking station for use with a liquid container which supports the container in a convenient fixed location. The docking station is designed to accept a liquid container having a predetermined height and diameter. The docking station includes a cam operated actuator which is movable between an upper “open” position to a lower “closed” position. When the actuator is moved to its lower closed position, the actuator opens a valve in the liquid container to permit liquid to be drawn from the container. When the actuator is in its upper position, the valve in the container is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 7621303
    Abstract: A filler neck for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, comprising a flap and a locking element. The filler neck is designed such that it is impossible to fill the tank with the wrong fuel. The foregoing is achieved by the fact that the flap can be rotated about a hinge pin which is three-dimensionally movable and while the flap is retained by at least two elements that are pivotable about one respective pin. One of the pivotable elements supports the hinge pin of the flap while another pivotable element is configured as a locking lever that is disposed across from the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Tesma Motoren-Und Getriebetechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Buchgraber
  • Publication number: 20090165888
    Abstract: This invention is about a gas filling apparatus for filling a gas into a storage apparatus for storing a semiconductor element or a reticle. The gas filling apparatus comprises a base and a port. The storage apparatus is loaded on the base. The port comprises a receiving part, which is connected with an air entrance of the storage apparatus. The contact portions of both the top of the receiving part and the air entrance of the storage apparatus are cambered surfaces and these two portions contacts in a ring fashion. The port also comprises a hole for the gas to pass through, and a joint port to connect with the air source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Sheng-Hung Wang, Ming-Long Chiu
  • Publication number: 20090151810
    Abstract: Apparatus for inflating a balloon (10) and keeping the balloon inflated whilst a substance (13) is introduced into the balloon, comprises a container (1) having a lid (2). The lid has an opening (4) arranged such that a balloon can be positioned in the container with its neck open, aligned* with the opening and in sealing engagement with the lid. A non-return valve (3) permits gas to be displaced from the space in the container outside the balloon whilst the balloon is inflated. The non-return valve (3) is provided in a conduit (7) extending from the lid (2) to adjacent the base of the container. Once the balloon (10) has been inflated the substance (13) can be introduced into the balloon by a funnel (12). A release valve (6) is provided to permit controlled introduction of gas into the space in the container outside the balloon, so as to permit controlled contraction of the balloon around the substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Benjamin Crawshaw
  • Patent number: 7546855
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for self-sealing of a reaction vessel, such that the reaction vessel may be repeatedly accessed by a fluid transfer mechanism and subsequently self-sealed, is detailed. The reaction vessel has an access opening, and the apparatus comprises a cap, a ball which is comprised of a magnetizable material (such as a ferrous metal), and a ring magnet. The cap is sized to fit over the reaction vessel access opening, and has an access port. The cap has an internal surface which faces the reaction vessel, and an external surface, which faces away from the reaction vessel. The ball is sized to fit over the cap access port, such that a portion of the ball seats partially in the cap access port on the cap internal surface, thus sealing the cap access port. According to an aspect of the invention, the ball may be comprised of a ferromagnetic material, or a magnetizable material that is preferably magnetized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Stephan Rodewald
  • Patent number: 7543611
    Abstract: Method for spill free refuelling includes establishing a liquid tight connection between a refuelling gun nozzle for fuel dispensing and a coupling piece of the fuel receiving object (6), through which fuel is provided to a fuel container (7), detecting a predetermined fuel level (8?) and automatically interrupting the fuel flow when said level is detected. A level detection signalling configuration is established by moving the gun into position for establishment of the liquid-tight connection. The invention further relates to a system for spill free refuelling, a method and a device for detecting a predetermined liquid fuel level and a fuel pipe arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Identic AB
    Inventor: Sylvid Källberg
  • Publication number: 20090056829
    Abstract: A capless fuel filler device includes an anti-contamination seal mounted upon an external portion of a fuel filler passage extending through the device. An anti-contamination plug may selectively be inserted into the combination passage so as to sealingly engage the anti-contamination seal. A contaminant drain leading from the valve body's fuel and nozzle passage serves to not only remove liquid contaminants from the fuel and nozzle passage, but also to mitigate any incidental buildup of vacuum within the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Thomas Aitken, Robert Joseph Beier
  • Patent number: 7464736
    Abstract: An aircraft refueling system incorporates a fuel port adapter configured to allow the use of jet fuel nozzle spout but prevent the use of avgas nozzle spout. The device has an opening that configured to receive a standard jet fuel nozzle spout. The device also includes a blocking plate that prevents a smaller, round standard avgas nozzle spout from being inserted into the opening. In addition, the device includes one or more spring-loaded flapping doors to prevent incorrect refueling while the jet fuel nozzle spout is not inserted through the flapping doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Shaw Aero Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Jones, Brian P. Greenawalt, Michael O'Hara, Cesar Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7461673
    Abstract: A closure device for tank filler necks in motor vehicles. The closure device has the object of configuring the tank filling operation to be more comfortable. This objective is achieved in that at least two closure elements are swivel-mounted on the tank filler neck, the closure elements having insertion bevels on their top that are designed in such a way that when a fuel nozzle is placed on them the closure elements swivel and open the tank filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Alfred Engelmann Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Busch, Etzhard Bultmann
  • Publication number: 20080178962
    Abstract: Sealing system for fuel tank fill head comprising: a shutter that can be moved between an open position, in which fuel may be introduced into the fill pipe, and a closed position in which the fill pipe is closed, the shutter passing from one position to the other under the effect of a thrust exerted by a filling nozzle head; a shield placed upstream of the shutter and that can be moved between an open position, in which the shutter is accessible, and a closed position in which the shutter is protected from the atmosphere by the shield; and a nozzle inhibitor comprising components that can be rotated with respect to an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fill head and designed so as to enable a movement of the shutter from its closed position to its open position when the mobile components have been moved under the effect of a thrust exerted by the filling nozzle head having a predefined diameter on the mobile components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: INERGY AUTO. SYSTEMS RESEARCH (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Patrice BAUDOUX, Francois Ruat
  • Publication number: 20080173376
    Abstract: A fueling assembly for a fuel tank positioned in an engine driven welder. The fueling assembly includes a filler tube, a fuel level monitor and a grommet. The filler tube has a bottom portion and a top portion. The fuel level monitor includes a fuel level sensor position in the fuel tank and/or filler tube. The fuel level monitor includes a fuel level indicator positioned on the housing to enable an operator to view the fuel level indicator and the opening used to direct fuel into the filler tube during the filling of the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: David J. Bender, Jason R. Stapp
  • Patent number: 7401629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting apparatus with three through holes, which is provided with a top wall, a bottom wall, an inverted annular body extending downwardly and inwardly connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, a cavity enclosed by the annular body, and a post defined in the cavity, wherein the post extends from the bottom wall into the cavity, with through holes defined in the bottom wall and guiding grooves defined on the post, in which the guiding grooves extend from a free end of the post to a bottom end thereof and are correspondingly formed with respect to the through holes. The mounting apparatus with three through holes is advantageous in that it integrates conventional feed probe and mounting apparatus so that the integrated structure is simplified, and its components are more effectively assembled at a relatively lower cost. Meanwhile, vents provided on the outer side of the top wall define a clear air passage for the water dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: QIDI Electric Group
    Inventor: Qidi Zhou
  • Patent number: 7306017
    Abstract: A capless seal door for a fuel tank filler tube employs a door valve with a flexible annular seal which, upon closing against a seat on the undersurface of a nozzle-receiving orifice formed in a bulkhead across the tube, initially wipes on the seat and is subsequently compressed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Walkowski, Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 7278452
    Abstract: The drink liquid, such as beer, soft drink, etc., stayed in stay portion 5 of filler during the filling operation is recovered without dropping of the quality. The filler is composed of cylinder rod 4 connected to the cap 3 of container 2, discharge hole 7 longitudinally penetrated through a center of the cylinder rod 4, a stay portion 5 secured at the upper part of the periphery of cylinder rod 4, through which the drink liquid passes, and a supply pipe 6 for drink liquid connected to the stay portion 5, and characterized in that the storage equipment 12 for stayed liquid having storage room 18 is secured on supply pipe 6, and pipe 11 for introducing pressurized air is also secured. It is connected to stay portion 5 through discharge hole 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Breweries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatake Taguchi, Kazutaka Yamamoto, Kaoru Ichihashi
  • Patent number: 7258145
    Abstract: A fuel filler neck assembly having a uniform hemmed connection between an outer funnel portion and an inner funnel portion. The outer funnel portion is typically defined by an offset-expanded cylinder and sidewalls of varying thickness. The inner funnel portion includes sidewalls that have an internal thread, which is configured to mate with the threads of a gas cap. A hemmed connection is used to join one end of the outer funnel portion to one end of the inner funnel portion. The sidewalls at one end of the outer funnel portion are folded or bent inwardly and around the rim portion to define a curled portion. A tooling assembly for producing a uniform hemmed connection between one end of the outer funnel portion and one end of the inner funnel portion. A method of producing a uniform hemmed connection between portions of a fuel filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas D. McCracken, Thomas Barber, Jamie R. Pritchard
  • Patent number: 7204279
    Abstract: A vehicle tank includes an intake tube, on the end of which is placed a filling-fixture containing an automatic tank closure. The filling-fixture is made of one piece with the intake tube. The automatic tank closure is integrated in an insert. The filling-fixture forms a recess on its upper end into which the insert can be placed. A fissure joint is sealed with the aid of a sealing element between the filling-fixture and the insert and the securement of the insert in its recess is assured by a retaining flange. The flange is circumferentially connected in a radially outlying area with the filling-fixture and the flange extends so far radially inward that it covers the fissure joint and an inward extending area of the upper side of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision Ag Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventor: Matthias Bäuerle
  • Patent number: 7114633
    Abstract: The valved container assembly comprises a container positionable on an adjustable stand. The container incorporates an outlet tube adjacent the bottom of the container, the outlet tube incorporating an inline flow control valve and an end valve which stops flow through the tube when flow into a receptacle for fluid from the container reaches a height below overflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: James F. L. Blair
  • Patent number: 7096899
    Abstract: An automatic tank closure for a motor vehicle tank with a housing having a penetrating input opening and having an opening and closing closure flap with pivotal bearings, which is subjected to spring loading in the closing direction is provided. The closure flap is located within the input opening for the closing of the same and whereby in the closed position between the closure flap and the housing is placed a sealing surface with a sealing seat, which conically widens itself toward the interior of the tank and coacts with a sealing ring. The sealing ring is designed with at least one lip seal and sealingly coacts with the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen
    Inventors: Siegfried Vetter, Markus Stephan
  • Patent number: 7028727
    Abstract: The valved container assembly comprises a container having a combined inlet/outlet incorporating an inlet valve, an outlet tube positionable over the inlet, the outlet tube incorporating an inline flow control valve and an end valve which stops flow through the tube when flow into a receptacle for fluid from the container reaches a height below overflow, the assembly allowing no vapor escape during filling or emptying of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Saint Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. L. Blair
  • Patent number: 6983773
    Abstract: A fuel feeding device 10 has a first shutter mechanism 20 that has a first closing member 21 to open and close a first seal opening UP1, a second shutter mechanism 30 that has a second closing member 31 to open and close a second seal opening UP2, and a coupling mechanism 40 that guides the second closing member 31 to be opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing action of the first closing member 21. In the process of fuel supply, when a fuel supply gun presses open the first closing member 21, the second closing member 31 moves in conjunction with the first closing member 21 via the coupling mechanism 40 to open the second seal opening UP2. In the fuel feeding device 10 for a fuel tank, the opening and closing mechanism of the closing member arranged in an inlet pipe IP is substantially free from any significant trouble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6968874
    Abstract: A capless automotive fueling system having a funnel with a port open to receive a fuel filling nozzle. A spring loaded valve is movable between an open position in which the port is open and a closed position in which the fuel valve overlies and sealingly covers the port. A shield is movable between a first position in which the shield overlies and covers the valve, and a second position in which the shield is laterally disposed to one side of the valve to permit insertion of the fuel filling nozzle. A motor is drivingly connected to the shield and, on activation, moves the shield from its first and to its second position. Alternatively, two latches engage the valve to retain the valve in a closed position. Upon insertion of a properly sized fuel nozzle, the nozzle engages the latches and pivots them to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Martinrea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David John Gabbey, Daniel Paul Cunkle
  • Patent number: 6955194
    Abstract: A device for pressurized contents and an associated method. The device includes a container and a port assembly. In one aspect, the port assembly includes a body, a plunger, a seal arrangement, a plunger bias device, and a bushing. The plunger is movable and has a conduit for contents flow. The bushing moves the plunger, against the bias device, from the first plunger to a second plunger position to open the seal arrangement during movement of the bushing to permit contents flow. In another aspect, the device is transportable, and a valve assembly flow controller includes a valve, a regulator, and a flow meter. The device includes a protective housing, coupled to the container, enshrouding the flow controller to protect the flow controller from impact and transmit impact forces to the container. The housing is configured to permit access to the flow controller and inspection of the container and port connection to verify leak tightness with the housing coupled to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: James R. MacNeal, Gary S. Garber, Barry A. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6921113
    Abstract: A connector assembly for allowing a free-flowing medium to pass through includes: a hollow female element with a transverse closure wall and passage openings which are formed in the side wall, a male element which can be inserted into the female element and can be coupled thereto, an adapter socket, inside which the female element can be displaced in the axial direction between a position in which it closes off the flow of medium and in which the passage openings are closed off by the adapter socket, and a position in which it allows medium to flow through and in which the passage openings are not closed off by the adapter socket. The female element is provided, at a distance from the transverse closure wall, with connecting elements which can form a connection with connecting elements arranged on the male element and/or a coupling piece which is coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Casparus PDS B.V.
    Inventor: Casparus Vlasblom
  • Patent number: 6843285
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to improve safety by preventing the leakage of liquid caused by the internal pressure of a container. A liquid path plug in which a pipe is provided in the lid section of the plug, and a gas path plug which does not have a pipe are attached to openings of the container. The engaging groove section is formed on the end surface of the liquid path cap which closes the through hole provided in the liquid path plug section of the liquid path plug. The engaging protrusion section and the engaging hole section are formed on the end surface of the gas path cap which is provided in the gas path plug section of the gas path plug and closes the through hole. The gas path cap is detached by engaging the engaging pin of the detaching fixture on the engaging hole section of the gas path cap and by turning the gas path cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6820658
    Abstract: A filling apparatus for, a filling system for and a method of introducing into a container a suspension or solution of a substance, in particular a pharmaceutical substance, in a propellant under pressure, the filling apparatus comprising: a main body (4) including a passageway (20) for communicating, in use, with a valve stem (144) extending from a head (141) of a body (139) of a container (138), the container (138) comprising a metering chamber (143) selectively communicatable by the valve stem (144) with the atmosphere and a storage chamber (140) defined by the body (139); a fill actuator (7) comprising a filling valve assembly (29) in communication with the passageway (20) for selectively introducing thereinto propellant under pressure containing a substance in a suspension or solution; an exhaust actuator (10) comprising an exhaust valve assembly (48) in communication with the passageway (20) for selectively exhausting therefrom propellant under pressure containing substance; and a container-engaging bod
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: AstraZeneca AB
    Inventors: John Brennan, Roger Matthews, Stephen Metcalf
  • Patent number: 6779567
    Abstract: A transfer port apparatus (10) is provided to enable a worker to transfer one or more objects through a sealed passageway provided in the apparatus (10) from one sealed chamber into another sealed chamber. Transfer port apparatus (10) is adapted to be coupled to a movable canister (12) and a stationary isolator (16). Expandable airtight seals (72, 120) are deflated, doors (30, 40) are removed and an object (20) is transferred into the airtight clean working environment established in the isolator (16) through the sealed passageway established in transfer port apparatus (10) following coupling of canister (12) to isolator (16) using transfer port apparatus (10). After the object (20) is moved, doors (30, 40) are replaced and expandable airtight seals (72, 120) are inflated creating a substantially airtight seal. Movable canister (12) can be uncoupled from the transfer port apparatus (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: La Calhene, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Szatmary
  • Patent number: 6691750
    Abstract: A filler neck closure assembly includes a nozzle receiver associated with a vehicle fuel tank and a fuel-discharge control collar adapted to receive therein a fuel-dispensing pump nozzle inserted into the nozzle receiver during fuel tank refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Dean C. Foltz
  • Patent number: 6681817
    Abstract: The fueling device includes a casing main body with an inlet opening. The casing main body is mountable in the fuel passage of the fuel filler pipe. A cap main body for opening and closing the inlet opening is engageable with the casing main body. A shutter is disposed in the fuel passage on the fuel tank side and is urged closed by a biasing member. A seal ring is mounted on the shutter, which is seated on a seat surface of the casing main body so as to seal the interior of the fuel tank in an air-tight manner against the outside by compression of the seal ring between the shutter and the seat surface. Engagement catches that fasten the cap main body to the casing main body operate to connect the cap main body and the shutter in such a manner that rotational force of the cap main body is converted into force in the direction in which the seal component is pressed to the seat surface to compress the sealing ring therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6672342
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the discharge of flowable material from a first compartment having a discharge opening near a lower end thereof comprises a closure member which is movable by an actuator and an adjusting device between a closed position in which the discharge opening is shut and a raised open position in which a gap of a certain width to said discharge opening is opened to allow the flowable material to flow through the gap and the discharge opening. Adjoining the discharge opening is a conveyor section for providing a predetermined path of conveying the material into a second compartment. The quantity of material flown to the second compartment is determined by a quantity determining means. A control unit controls at least the adjusting device and the width of the gap to achieve a desired degree of delivery to the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: AT Anlagetechnik AG
    Inventor: Arthur Nussbaumer
  • Patent number: 6655407
    Abstract: A refrigerant charging tool. In a described embodiment, a refrigerant charging tool has two separately formed handles pivotably attached to each other. One of the handles has a container piercing member mounted thereon. Interchangeable spacers are configured for attachment to the other handle, so that a selected one of differently shaped containers may be biased against the container piercing member when the handles are pivoted toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Technical Chemical Company
    Inventor: Newton Howard Dudley
  • Publication number: 20030111135
    Abstract: Connector for a male ejection end-piece (16) of a compressed-gas canister (1) intended to supply compressed gas to a fastening appliance that runs on compressed gas and a male inlet end-piece (4) of a device (2) for letting compressed gas into the appliance, comprising sealing means (3) for accommodating the two male end-pieces (16, 4) and intended to seal the connection between the two end-pieces along cylindrical sealing surface portions (34, 35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: SOCIETE DE PROSPECTION ET D'INVENTIONS TECHNIQUES SPIT
    Inventors: Emmanuel Vallon, Patrick Herelier
  • Publication number: 20030111136
    Abstract: Compressed gas canister (1′) intended to supply gas to a fastening appliance (2) that runs on compressed gas, comprising a protective edge (12) forming a bowl inside which an ejection valve (16) having a bearing and displacement surface (26) is mounted so that it can move in translation between a position of rest and a gas-ejection position, the ejection valve (16) being mounted, inside a seal (3′), set back from the edge (15) of the bowl, and the bearing surface (26) of the valve (16) does not protrude beyond the edge (15) of the bowl in the position of rest and is set back from the surface (30) facing towards the outside of the seal (3′, 23) in the gas-ejection position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: SOCIETE DE PROSPECTION ET D'INVENTIONS TECHNIQUES SPIT
    Inventors: Emmanuel Vallon, Frederic Nayrac, Patrick Herelier
  • Patent number: 6575203
    Abstract: The fluid delivery/refilling system includes a unit-of-use fluid reservoir for dentifrice or medication within a head portion of a power toothbrush, which is removable from the remainder thereof. A pump element is located in the brushhead and is configured so that the back and forth movement of the brushhead in operation results in fluid moving from the reservoir to a dispensing valve located in the brushhead. The dispensing valve has an end portion which is normally closed, opening under pressure of fluid from the pump. The refilling assembly is separate from the toothbrush and is configured to fit over the top of the toothbrush. Upward pressure exerted on the toothbrush when the toothbrush is within the refilling assembly results in movement of a core element in the refilling assembly, which in turn results in a hollow needle in the refilling assembly extending into a refiller valve in the head portion of the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Philips Oral Healthcare
    Inventors: Scott E. Hall, James N. Larimer, Kevin Miller, Richard Taylor
  • Patent number: 6546972
    Abstract: A filler neck includes a housing adapted to be coupled to a fuel-delivery conduit coupled to a fuel tank inlet of a vehicle fuel tank. The housing includes a passageway that defines an axis of the filler neck and is adapted to receive a pump nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Dean C. Foltz
  • Publication number: 20030024599
    Abstract: The fueling device includes a casing main body with an inlet opening. The casing main body is mountable in the fuel passage of the fuel filler pipe. A cap main body for opening and closing the inlet opening is engageable with the casing main body. A shutter is disposed in the fuel passage on the fuel tank side and is urged closed by a biasing member. A seal ring is mounted on the shutter, which is seated on a seat surface of the casing main body so as to seal the interior of the fuel tank in an air-tight manner against the outside by compression of the seal ring between the shutter and the seat surface. Engagement catches that fasten the cap main body to the casing main body operate to connect the cap main body and the shutter in such a manner that rotational force of the cap main body is converted into force in the direction in which the seal component is pressed to the seat surface to compress the sealing ring therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6474376
    Abstract: The fueling device includes a casing main body with an inlet opening. The casing main body is mountable in the fuel passage of the fuel filler pipe. A cap main body for opening and closing the inlet opening is engageable with the casing main body. A shutter is disposed in the fuel passage on the fuel tank side and is urged closed by a biasing member. A seal ring is mounted on the shutter, which is seated on a seat surface of the casing main body so as to seal the interior of the fuel tank in an air-tight manner against the outside by compression of the seal ring between the shutter and the seat surface. Engagement catches that fasten the cap main body to the casing main body operate to connect the cap main body and the shutter in such a manner that rotational force of the cap main body is converted into force in the direction in which the seal component is pressed to the seat surface to compress the sealing ring therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6446837
    Abstract: A liquid reservoir for a toy water gun is provided, the reservoir comprising: a housing having an internal chamber for containing a quantity of liquid; a fill opening situated on the housing leading to the internal chamber; and a valve plate situated adjacent to the fill opening, the valve plate being movable between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the valve plate covers the fill opening thereby preventing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber; in the second position, the valve is spaced apart from the fill opening thereby allowing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Original Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20020092580
    Abstract: A medical apparatus for draining bodily fluid from a container, such as a suction canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark Miller, Michael C. Hollen, Joseph M. Hand, Barry G. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20020092581
    Abstract: The fueling device includes a casing main body with an inlet opening. The casing main body is mountable in the fuel passage of the fuel filler pipe. A cap main body for opening and closing the inlet opening is engageable with the casing main body. A shutter is disposed in the fuel passage on the fuel tank side and is urged closed by a biasing member. A seal ring is mounted on the shutter, which is seated on a seat surface of the casing main body so as to seal the interior of the fuel tank in an air-tight manner against the outside by compression of the seal ring between the shutter and the seat surface. Engagement catches that fasten the cap main body to the casing main body operate to connect the cap main body and the shutter in such a manner that rotational force of the cap main body is converted into force in the direction in which the seal component is pressed to the seat surface to compress the sealing ring therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6418987
    Abstract: A fluid recovery system for removing fluid from a first container into a second container is formed from a dual cap system. The first of the caps has a push-pull, pop-up valve dispenser in it. A second inverted cap is placed between the actuator for the push-pull valve and the top of the first cap. The second cap has a circular opening cut out at its center which loosely fits around a cylindrical extension of the pop-up valve on the first cap. When the device is to be used, the push-pull valve actuator is pressed closed and the first cap is threaded onto the empty container. The entire assembly then is inverted; and the second cap is threaded onto the container which is to receive the residue from the “empty” container. After the two caps have been threaded onto the respective containers, they are pulled a short distance apart to cause the push-pull valve actuator to be opened; and the top container then empties into the lower container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Rocco Colasacco
  • Patent number: 6415827
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a filler neck, a housing, and an appearance cover. The housing includes a nozzle-receiving passageway and an interior region. A closure door is coupled to housing and prevents fuel vapor from flowing through passageway. A pressure-relief valve assembly is positioned within interior region and controls the flow of fuel vapor through interior region when the closure door is closed. A valve actuator is coupled to housing and includes a nozzle arm, a stem arm, and a conductor arm. Stem arm moves with nozzle arm and opens pressure-relief valve assembly when nozzle arm is engaged by a fuel-dispensing nozzle upon movement of a nozzle into passageway. A conductor arm is coupled to nozzle arm and is positioned to contact filler neck through an opening in housing. When a nozzle contacts the nozzle arm, any electrical charge present on the fuel-dispensing nozzle is conducted through nozzle arm and conductor arm to the filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Harris, Jason K. Jobe
  • Publication number: 20020083999
    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 containers 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: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Keith F. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 6408903
    Abstract: A fuel intake assembly for a vehicle fuel tank is provided. The fuel intake assembly has a closure flap which opens and closes the intake opening. A sealing element and a seat on one or another of the closure flap and the fuel intake fitting cooperate to seal the fuel intake in a closed position. An apparatus is affixed to the closure flap which seals and locks the closure flap to the fuel intake fitting to prevent unwanted opening of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG, Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Thomas Theuer, Thomas Conrad, Christian Sünkel, Kugler Clemens
  • Publication number: 20020074058
    Abstract: A safety valve assembly for use with a portable container, such as for dispensing fuel to a vehicular gas tank, where the valve assembly features a pair of fluid sealing members to be manually activated to effect dispensing of the fluid from the container. A first of said sealing members includes a magnetizable float member that further functions to automatically shut-off the fluid dispensing procedure before the receiving receptacle overflows, thus avoiding a problem with unwanted spillage. The second sealing member is activated by applying pressure to the container against the receiving receptacle, whereby premature spillage is further avoided during transportation of the fluid filled container. Finally, a rotatable lock mechanism, in the form of a camming system, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Kody Clemmons, Everett B. James
  • Patent number: 6405768
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure fuel servicing nozzle for mating with a standardized aircraft fueling adapter having an adapter valve biased in a closed position to prevent fuel flow. The fuel nozzle includes a nozzle body and a collar assembly coupled to the nozzle body. Fuel flow is prevented when the nozzle valve is in a fully retracted position and fuel flow is allowed when the nozzle valve is extended and when the nozzle valve pushes the adapter valve in a downstream direction. A bias member maintains the nozzle valve in fully open position when intimate contact between the valves is disrupted, such as when fuel flow forces the adapter valve further in the downstream direction. The fuel nozzle further includes a collar assembly rotatably coupled to the nozzle body such that the fuel nozzle is secured to the fueling adapter by engaging the fuel nozzle onto the fueling adapter and rotating the collar assembly about the nozzle body and fueling adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Cla-Val Co.
    Inventor: Mark Randall McClaran
  • 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: 6390156
    Abstract: A dispensing system and method for locked spill-free transfer of liquid and dry materials. The dispensing assembly attached to the material holding container has a bottle cap with a slotted spring housing, small notch, spring-biased valve closure member with activation pin, and spring nut with cutout. The paired docking station receptacle includes a housing having an upper flange, bottom discharge opening, interior protrusion, and upwardly tapering spring nut engagement member with spaced-apart radially-extending flukes positioned within the discharge opening, the upper surface of which are configured for partial insertion through the spring nut cutout. Thus, when the protrusion is aligned with the notch and a bayonet turn is applied to the bottle cap, the spring nut engagement member unseats the valve closure member and allows material transfer. The dispensing system herein can be used by manufacturers of equipment requiring periodic renewal of dry and liquid materials to limit their source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Hetherington, Richard Charles Pahl
  • Patent number: 6386244
    Abstract: A fuel tank valve apparatus for use with a fuel tank. The fuel tank apparatus has an inlet neck defining a valve chamber, a valve housing positioned in the valve chamber, a valve positioned to move within the valve housing to regulate flow of liquid fuel into the fuel tank, and a retainer. The inlet neck is attachable to the fuel tank. The valve housing is retained in the inlet neck for communicating with the fuel tank. Connecting the inlet neck to the fuel tank maintains the integrity of the tank and inlet neck material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Philip Brown, Brian Allen Engle
  • Publication number: 20020053368
    Abstract: A device is provided for filling a tank with a combustible medium from storage container. Supply means are disposed on the side of the storage container and receiving means are disposed on the side of the tank for introducing the medium into the tank. The supply means and the receiving means include closing means. The device further includes potential equalization means for equalizing an electrical potential between the storage container and the tank. The potential equalization means are arranged on the supply means or on the receiving means so that when the supply means move towards the receiving means, the potential equalization means can be forced into electrical contact with the housing of the tank. When the supply means subsequently come even closer to the chassis, the potential equalization means unlocks the closing means disposed on the supply means and/or the receiving means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Janusz Blaszczyk, Alan Mulvenna
  • Patent number: RE37776
    Abstract: A filler neck closure assembly for a vehicle fuel tank filler neck, comprising: a housing configured to be mounted in the filler neck and formed to include a sealing surface and a pressure-relief valve positioned to lie in the housing and provided with a nozzle-receiving portion and a sealing portion, wherein the nozzle-receiving portion is formed to include a nozzle-receiving opening sized to receive a pump nozzle during refueling of the fuel tank and the sealing portion is movable with the nozzle portion and relative to the housing between a closure-sealing position sealingly engaging the sealing surface and a pressure-relief position away from the sealing surface to define an opening to vent fuel vapor from the fuel tank when tank pressure exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Dean C. Foltz