Dumping Or Draining Type Patents (Class 141/364)
  • Patent number: 7975882
    Abstract: A dispenser of a product in powder from, composed of: a case delimiting a housing; a reservoir removably installed in the housing, the reservoir being adapted to contain the product in powder form and having a dispensing orifice; and a device for obturating the dispensing orifice. The device has a blocking member in the form of a shutter mounted to the reservoir for movement between a position for closing the dispensing orifice and a position for opening the dispensing orifice. The housing, the reservoir and the device are constructed to enable the reservoir to be installed in the housing by a vertical linear movement and to cause automatic movement of the shutter from the position for closing to the position for opening in response to the vertical linear movement of the reservoir into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: SEB S. A.
    Inventors: Gilles Morin, Séverine Miu
  • Patent number: 7967940
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a water bottle mounting supplier. The method includes the steps of: a) integrally forming a water bottle mounting unit, a water supply pipe, and a supporting rod using a top and bottom mold, where the water bottle mounting unit is formed in a funnel shape for supporting the water bottle, the water supply pipe is projected from a bottom center of the water bottle mounting unit toward a top, and an inlet formed at a side of the top for supplying water downwardly, and the supporting rod projected from an upper center of the water supply pipe toward a top; and b) connecting a stopper fixing unit to the supporting rod, where the stopper fixing unit is formed in a semicircle shape and includes a through-hole formed at a center in a vertical direction to receive the supporting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Clover Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Mu Moon, Hyung Min Park
  • Patent number: 7967040
    Abstract: A system for transferring a viscous liquid between containers that comprises a first container from which the liquid is to be drained, a second container for receiving the liquid, a first transfer lid that attaches to the first container, a second transfer lid that attaches to the second container and a transfer adapter that interconnects the lids. The first transfer lid has an outlet spout received into the transfer adapter, which is received in an inlet spout of the second transfer lid. The first container is inverted over the second container to drain liquid from the first container lid to the second container through the connected container lids. In an another configuration, the system is used with bottles and comprises a pair of bottle connectors that each engage a bottle and have interlocking members that join the connectors. In another embodiment liquid is transferred between a bottle and a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Peter B. Sanford
  • Publication number: 20110114220
    Abstract: A universal adapter device facilitates transfer of liquid from a neck of a liquid dispenser to a receiving container. The device includes a hollow body. The hollow body includes a flexible liquid inlet with an inwardly sloping flexible collar, a liquid outlet, and a one-way valve for allowing air into the hollow body when a pressure within the hollow body is less than ambient pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Yoram GILL
  • Patent number: 7886783
    Abstract: A system for the delivery of a liquid anesthetic agent to a sump of an anesthetic vaporizer includes a filler assembly rotatable about a pivot point. The filler assembly further includes a sump valve that controls fluid communication between the filler assembly and the sump. An adapter is coupled with the filler spout and includes a sealing surface that forms a seal against fluid communication between the anesthetic bottle and the adapter. The filler assembly, the filler spout, and the adapter are rotated about the pivot point along the rail. The rotation of the filler assembly, the filler spout, and the adapter about the pivot point opens the sump valve and the seal between the adapter and the anesthetic bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ryan W. Rindy, Robert Q. Tham
  • Patent number: 7874325
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for emptying and filling a fluid container. A flow-actuated valve inside a fill tube regulates the flow through the fill tube. A cap containing the valve and a vent tube can be installed on a modified bottle used to supply water dispensers, thus enabling a user to continuously replenish the bottle from a remote supply. Alternatively, a cap containing the valve, a vent tube, and two fluid level sensors can be installed on a conventional bottle. A user is thus relieved of the burden of repetitive bottle changing, and is able to treat the water to his own specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventors: Michael E. Tyler, Paul M. Whetstone
  • Patent number: 7866357
    Abstract: A method for filling a reservoir on board a motor vehicle by a reserve cartridge. The reservoir includes a filler pipe, including a device for sealed attachment of the cartridge to the pipe. The cartridge includes a latching device configured to allow the fluid to flow from the reserve cartridge into the reservoir filler pipe only when the cartridge is attached in a sealed manner to the device on the pipe. The reserve cartridge is attached in a sealed manner to the pipe attachment device and the reserve cartridge latching device is unlatched so that the fluid can flow from the reserve cartridge into the filler pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Nicolas Compere, Olivier Kunstmann, Eric Riviere
  • Patent number: 7849892
    Abstract: A discharge box capable of transporting and then dispensing a high bulk density of solid product with substantially no human intervention. The discharge box includes separable/replaceable components allowing for a low cost, low maintenance, and long-term package and includes a tamper-evidence site window, and desiccant pockets, in a lid portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Remcon Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Connors, Thomas W. Wise, Kenneth Miller, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100236662
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for gauging medication dosage. The device includes a connection part, and a first container and a second container. The connection part is provided therein with a separation membrane having a hole. The first and second containers are symmetrically and threadedly coupled to respective sides of the connection part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Ji Seong Yi
  • Patent number: 7780040
    Abstract: A cylindrical-shaped particle dispenser cartridge includes a dispenser nozzle. The dispenser nozzle outer surface includes sealing ribs that surround an included nozzle opening. The dispenser nozzle is arranged to engage a shutter that slides over the sealing ribs, thus sealing the nozzle opening. When the cartridge rotates about the cartridge axial in a shutter-opening or leading direction (X) with respect to the shutter, the sealing ribs move in a like direction with respect to the shutter, thus unsealing the particle dispenser cartridge nozzle opening. The dispenser cartridge is arranged to dispense particles such as, for example, toner particles. The dispenser nozzle outer surface includes outer shutter rails disposed on inboard and outboard sides of the sealing ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Paul M. Wegman
  • Publication number: 20100193078
    Abstract: The invention concerns to a dosage-dispensing element (10) for free-flowing and pourable bulk materials, which has a main body that is deformable, in particular elastic, with a round inlet opening (11) and a slot-shaped outlet opening (21). On the opposite side from the inlet opening (11), the dosage-dispensing element has an oval surface area (20), in which the slot-shaped outlet (21) is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the oval surface (20). By applying lateral pressure on circumference points (12) in the area of the longitudinal axis of the oval surface (20), the outlet (21 can be opened to a variable width. The dosage-dispensing element (10) is preferably arranged as connecting sleeve in the shape of a truncated cone between containers and/or conduits, in particular between hoses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Lorenz Bohler
  • Publication number: 20100089494
    Abstract: A container coupler is disclosed that can be adapted to mechanically engage two containers. The container coupler can include a member that has an arcuate inner surface to engage a neck of the first container and the neck of a second container. The coupler can have a latch and a keeper wherein the keeper is configured to engage the latch and fastening the latch can reduce the inner diameter of the container coupler and tighten the coupler around the neck of each container. In some embodiments the coupler is manufactured in a “C” shape with a gap and in other embodiments the coupler can be two “C” shaped pieces that are hinged together such that a gap between the “C” shaped pieces can be reduced as the coupler is tightened on the necks of the bottles. Inserts can be placed in the coupler to accommodate bottles with different sized necks or mouths. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Pam Brady
  • Patent number: 7597125
    Abstract: The invention is a cleaning product for use with a cleaning applicator, such as a sponge mop, a squeegee, and various other applicators. The product provides an applicator bath holding a rinse fluid for rinsing the applicator. The product facilitates a range of cleanliness levels by discarding contaminated rinse fluid and replenishing the rinse fluid with clean fluid as often as the user requires, in order to meet the desired level of cleanliness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Levi Deaton
  • Patent number: 7472807
    Abstract: A soda dispensing apparatus includes a housing having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall has an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture is positioned generally adjacent to the bottom wall and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. An upper edge of the peripheral wall defines an opening into the housing. A concave saddle is positioned in the housing adjacent to the opening. The saddle has an open bottom side. The saddle has a size and shape adapted for receiving a soda bottle so that a threaded opening of the bottle extends through the open bottom side. A spout assembly is removably attached to the threaded opening and is selectively opened or closed. An actuator is mounted in the housing that selectively opens the spout assembly so that fluid flows outwardly of the threaded opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Jason K. Black
  • Patent number: 7415996
    Abstract: Provided is an inverted container holding apparatus comprising a securing member and a retaining member. The securing member includes a region configured to receive and secure an inverted container, wherein securing is enhanced by a resiliently flexible material. The retaining member may be removably attachable to the securing member to form a unitary structure or may be attached to a support member which is in turn attached to the securing member to form a unitary structure. A corresponding method of accessing contents of a container includes the provision of an inverted container holding apparatus having a retaining member, wherein the retaining member is configured to capture and retain contents that may vacate the inverted container after it is inserted into the holding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Kimberly Favreau
  • Patent number: 7389801
    Abstract: A filling system for an anesthetic evaporator allows an adapter neck (5) of a bottle adapter (1), which said adapter neck is coded in an anesthetic-specific manner, to be inserted into the filler neck of a filling device in a simple manner. A hinge (39) is provided between the adapter neck (5) and the threaded sleeve (2) of the bottle adapter (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Drägerwerk Medical AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ahmet Türker, Sven Pasdzior, Dirk-Stefan Reichert, Ernst-Günther Scharmer, Grigory Kholtchanski
  • Patent number: 7306723
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water purification system for use in a water dispensing apparatus. The water purification system comprises an adapter adapted to mount to a top opening of the dispensing unit of the water dispensing apparatus, the adapter including a dispensing unit locking mechanism that is adapted to secure the adapter to the dispensing unit, and a filter connected to the adapter, the filter being adapted to filter impurities from the water that passes through the adapter from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas K. Radford
  • Patent number: 7302976
    Abstract: An adapter for aligning the openings of and connecting two bottles has a channel through which fluid material can be conveyed between the bottles using gravity. The adapter is a two-piece molded plastic device forming a generally cylindrical body which can be separated for cleaning. Flanges surrounding top and bottom tapered portions of the body function to grip and stabilize the connected bottles during the transfer procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Joel S. Bultman
  • Patent number: 7299956
    Abstract: A closure (10) is provided for a water bottle of the type used in conjunction with a water fountain. The closure (10) comprises a body (20) having an open feed cylinder (50) and a sealing cap (30) which is movable between a sealing position and an open position and is adapted to seal the feed cylinder when in a sealing position. The sealing cap is biased towards a sealing position by biasing means which preferably comprise a plastics spring (70) that anchors the sealing cap (30) to the body (20). The form of the spring (70) and the arrangement of the sealing cap (30) and the feed cylinder (50) are such as to minimize and compensate for creep in the plastics material of the spring (70) in use of the closure (10) to ensure resealing of the feed cylinder (50) if and when the water bottle is removed from the water fountain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Sylvia Maria Haglund, Christopher Paul Ramsey, Bernard Gugleilmini
  • Patent number: 7293679
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for storing and pouring liquids, which comprises an internal volume and a pouring opening (8). The interior volume is subdivided into a storage volume (3) and a withdrawal volume (4) which communicate with each other (10), said withdrawal volume (4) leading to the pouring opening (8) in such a manner that the pouring opening (8), when the container (1) is tilted between the critical angle and the overend position of the container (1), invariably is the bottom-most point of the withdrawal volume (4). The container has a ventilation pipe (17) that extends from the pouring opening (8) and leads to the storage volume (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kai Yip Lo
  • Patent number: 7210508
    Abstract: A refill device for a receptacle provided with a threaded neck including a receptacle, designed to contain a product to be transferred into the receptacle, a cooperation structure designed to form a connection between the first and a second receptacle, a closing structure for closing off the receptacle, a transferring structure for transferring the product contained in the receptacle to the receptacle. The cooperation structure includes a threaded base capable of cooperating with the neck, the closing structure comprises a wall closing off the base, designed to be broken off by an axial force, the transfer structure includes an axial packing designed to be placed above the wall, such that during the said screwing of the neck, the neck pushes the axial packing into contact with the wall, so as to break the wall and enable the liquid to flow by gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: MT Packaging
    Inventor: Alain Behar
  • Patent number: 7168459
    Abstract: A feed bag includes a body bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a feed material. The body has a first end with an outlet formed thereat and an opposing second end. A vent port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. In one embodiment a filter is coupled with the vent port. A fluid port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. The fluid port is adapted to receive a fluid line for delivering a fluid into the compartment of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hynetics LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Bibbo, Gregory P. Elgan, Michael Goodwin, Bradley H Buchanan, Jim A Austin
  • Patent number: 7156136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices facilitating the addition of items into containers. In particular, the present invention relates to devices configured to assist in supplying food items into mixing containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Tim Kulas
  • Patent number: 7146930
    Abstract: An improved pet waterer is disclosed. The pet waterer has a tray for holding a fluid. Extending upwardly from tray is a container for dispensing fluid to the tray. The container has a base and one or more sidewalls extending from the base and having a top edge on the sidewalls. The top edge of the sidewall forms the opening in the container opposite the base. The container has a removable lid covering the opening in the container. The lid has an orifice for passing fluid from the container to the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Van Ness Plastic Molding Co.,Inc.
    Inventor: William Van Ness
  • Patent number: 7121436
    Abstract: An improved non-spill water bottle cap is developed for preventing water spillage when a water bottle is inverted to place on a water dispenser. The improved non-spill water bottle cap comprises a cylindrical plastic tube (10), a spherical float (20) for controlling the water flow, a plastic cap head (30) integrally formed with the cylindrical plastic tube (10), an edge frame (11) disposed at the end of the cylindrical plastic tube (10) and an annular flange (13) with a plurality of peepholes (13a) disposed at the mouth of the plastic cap head (30) for retaining the spherical float (20) inside the cylindrical plastic tube (10), and an annular sealing ridge (12) for momentarily blocking the water flow path by contacting the spherical float (20) to form a seal when the water bottle is inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventors: Myong-Hoon Lee, Won-Hie Choi
  • Patent number: 7089975
    Abstract: A spouted container (10) constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for storing fluids and transferring the stored fluids to a fluid receiving receptacle such as a lawn mower fluid reservoir (R) is disclosed. The illustrated spouted container (10) broadly includes a storage container (12), a self-venting spout (14) removably coupled to the container (12), a collar (16) for removably coupling the spout (14) to the container (12), and a cap (18) for closing the spout (14) and/or the container (12). The collar (16) cooperates with an inventive sealing disc (32) and a neck (24) to create a gasket-less seal between the spout (14) and the storage container (12) that is adjustable yet prevents undesirable fluid leakage when the spout (14) is in either a pour or a storage position. The spout (14) is a self-venting spout that includes an air-venting passageway (34) formed in part by a flange (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Blitz U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Chrisco, Charlie L. Forbis
  • Patent number: 7086430
    Abstract: An inverted container has a generally cylindrical depending neck, with a cap 18 having an outer wall 19 which engages the neck and an internal sleeve 20 located within the neck and joined to the outer wall by a connecting wall 21. The internal sleeve 20 defines a recess for receiving the feed tube 34, and a frangible seal 28 is secured to the connecting wall of the cap to cover the recess prior to insertion of the feed tube. To prevent pieces of the seal 28 from being separated if the feed tube 34 is inserted with the seal 28 still in place the feed tube has at least one row of upwardly-projecting puncturing elements 48 which create a controlled rupture of the seal prior to penetration of the feed tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ebac Limited
    Inventor: Philip Andrew Walton
  • Patent number: 7080672
    Abstract: An adapter (10) utilized to interconnect a fluid container (88) and an administration feeding set (90) having a hollow retractable spike (52) and a sliding shaft seal (18) for maintaining a fluid-tight seal around spike (52). The sliding shaft seal (18) includes a conduit (77) which sealingly engages around the retractable spike (52) in fluid tight engagement when adapter (10) is biased by a spring (19) between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Glenn G. Fournie, Kevin C. Meier
  • Patent number: 7073547
    Abstract: A device is employed with sewer inlet structure including a conduit leading to a sewer line to dispose of clean-up liquid including water and latex paint. The device includes a container engageable with and supported by the sewer inlet structure and a drain pipe leading from the container to the interior of the conduit. Engagement between the drain pipe and inner surface of the conduit will limit both sideways displacement and tipping of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Steve Carlson
  • Patent number: 7040357
    Abstract: An oil receiving and storage assembly includes a housing having a bottom wall, a peripheral wall and a top wall. The peripheral wall includes a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The top wall has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and into the housing. A window is positioned in the front wall and generally extends between the top and bottom walls. Volume measurement indicia are positioned on the front wall and adjacent to the window. An outlet conduit has a first end and a second end. The outlet conduit is elongated and is flexible. The first end is fluidly coupled to the housing. Each of a plurality of spouts fluidly coupled to oil containers may be extended into one of the apertures such that the oil containers rest in an inverted position and the contents thereof drain into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: Allan E. Volkers, George R. Welle, Jonathan J. Welle
  • Patent number: 7014759
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water purification system for use in a water dispensing apparatus. The water purification system comprises an adapter adapted to mount to a top opening of the dispensing unit of the water dispensing apparatus, the adapter including a dispensing unit locking mechanism that is adapted to secure the adapter to the dispensing unit, and a filter connected to the adapter, the filter being adapted to filter impurities from the water that passes through the adapter from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas K. Radford
  • Patent number: 6988640
    Abstract: An annular pan for mounting over a drum lid containing a liquid, the drum top having a hole for a pump conduit and an air hole. The annular pan has multiple parallel elongated walls increasing in height from the pump conduit to a portion of the pan containing a drain hole axially aligned with the drum lid air hole. The drain hole contains a filter for preventing particles from entering the drum. A raised edge of the pan above a top surface of the pan has an indentation for receipt of the pump conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Backe
  • Patent number: 6981532
    Abstract: The invention recites an apparatus that delivers a fuel additive to a fuel container. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a fuel additive chamber. The housing is interconnectable with the container and the housing has a release section that automatically releases a portion of the fuel additive from the chamber into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Dehn, Thomas G. Guntly
  • Patent number: 6942124
    Abstract: The invention recites an apparatus that delivers a fuel additive to a fuel. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a fuel additive chamber. The housing has a release section that automatically releases a portion of the fuel additive from the chamber into the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Dehn, Thomas G. Guntly, Peter D. Shears, Bradley Deml, Marvin Klowak
  • Patent number: 6921003
    Abstract: A water bottle cap includes a cap body including a sealing platform and a surrounding sealing wall extended from the sealing platform for sealedly enclosing around an opening of a water bottle, and a water dispensing arrangement including a guiding channel extended from the sealing platform of the cap body and defining a water passage, and a sealing member, which is integrally mounted at the guiding channel to sealedly close the water passage defining a breakable edge portion and a retaining edge portion. Therefore, when the water bottle is installed on the water dispenser, a spigot adapter of the water dispenser is plugged into the water passage to break the sealing member at the breakable edge portion thereof while the retaining edge portion of the sealing member is remained to attach to the guiding channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Charles Y. Yu
  • Patent number: 6863098
    Abstract: The illustrated spouted container (10) broadly includes a storage container (12), a self-venting spout (14) removably coupled to the container (12), a collar (16) for removably coupling the spout (14) to the container (12), and a cap (18) for closing the spout (14) and/or the container (12). The collar (16) cooperates with an inventive sealing disc (32) and a neck (24) to create a gasket-less seal between the spout (14) and the storage container (12) that is adjustable yet prevents undesirable fluid leakage when the spout (14) is in either a pour or a storage position. The spout (14) is a self-venting spout that includes an air-venting passageway (34) formed in part by a flange (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Blitz U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Chrisco, Charlie L. Forbis, Roger Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6837284
    Abstract: A fitment adapted to cover and reinforce an exposed edge of a container and facilitate the loading of the container with material. Alternatively, the fitment may be integrally formed with the container to be filled. The fitment includes a generally planar surface having a peripheral edge and an apertured cover hingedly attached thereto. A loading ledge, able to support heavy material to be loaded, is provided when the apertured cover is in the open position. The peripheral edge further includes a ramped portion to support the opened cover and material. Apertures in the fitment allow passage of material from the ledge into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: Jay Z. Muchin, David J. Merten
  • Patent number: 6834691
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for loading water bottles into a water cooler. The apparatus includes a water bottle loading system for automatically installing water bottles into the water cooler and a water bottle storage insert with an inclined ramp adapted to laterally urge a plurality of water bottles towards a loading cradle of the automatic water bottle loading system under control of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Martin C. Goldin
  • Patent number: 6834687
    Abstract: Fluids disposal symbiotic apparatus represents system and method helping technician, lube professional, hobbyist, as well as automotive, aircraft or marine vehicle subject matter specialist quickly yet conveniently change and dispose oil, transmission and/or other fluids, including fresh and wasted, avoiding oil exchange mess by utilizing a symbiotic multifunctional fluid disposal apparatus for collecting, storing and dispensing diversity of waste fluids. Said apparatus equipped with plurality of intake funnel, control valves, and output hoses or nozzles, to symbiotically input and accommodate coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid or other drainage liquid configurations, and adapt to original set of emptied bottles or plastic containers as an output configuration hosted in an original box, thus ensuring an operator may safely, cleanly and conveniently drain, collect and accurately dispose waste fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Rustam Abzaletdinov
  • Patent number: 6820662
    Abstract: A machine that makes bubbles that are dispensed vertically. A membrane-forming system forms a bubble solution membrane over a bubble ring. Air is passed through the bubble ring by a blowing fan, which is intermittently operated to allow contact between a membrane-forming ring and the bubble ring. Bubble solution is continuously supplied to the bubble rings from a central reservoir. Safety switches prevent operation of the bubble-making machine unless there is bubble solution in the reservoir, the main housing is properly connected to the fan, and the bubble machine is in an upright position (and not tipped over). The present invention provides continuous operation for the duration of the bubble solution supply, and is easily washed, used, maintained, and manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Original Ideas
    Inventors: Alan Dale Crawford, Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 6807979
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for coupling two storage and/or transport units with a cleaning device. In one cleaning position, either before or after a transfer process, an area is provided between two connecting branches and at least one part of front flaps of two closing valves and the connecting valves which is embodied as a cleaning chamber enclosed on all sides, and which can be sealed with respect to the outside atmosphere and product area. The cleaning space is protected against unintentional opening as a result of at least partial locking of the connecting branches with respect to each other. Cleaning occurs using the cleaning fluid without any danger of contamination be it from transfer product and/or the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: GEA Buck Valve GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Koch, Bernd Elsässer, Klaus Moeller
  • Patent number: 6808089
    Abstract: Disclosed is a powder filling method in which powder is filled in a powder box having a discharging port at its bottom segment, the powder box is moved over a cavity to be targeted while being slid on a die plate, thereafter the powder in the powder box is dropped into the cavity by its own gravitational force and filled there, wherein the powder in the powder box is applied with a mechanical agitation when the powder in the powder box is at least dropped into the cavity in the powder filling method for filling the powder in the powder box while being dropped at least into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hashimoto, Yoshikazu Seki, Masahiro Murakami
  • Patent number: 6772807
    Abstract: A sealing structure of a drinking water tank. The water tank has a mouth covered with a cap. The cap has a hollow guide recessed from a center thereof, and a sealing cover receiving the hollow guide therein. The hollow guide defines an opening for water contained in the water tank to flow through, while the sealing cover has a bottom wall and sidewall extending perpendicularly from the bottom wall to seal the opening. The sidewall further has a first latching structure at the edge of the sidewall, such that the sealing cover is in friction contact with the hollow guide to provide a sealing effect. The hollow guide also has a second latching structure formed at an edge thereof to be latched with the first latching structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Kuei Tang
  • Patent number: 6752180
    Abstract: A device for bidirectional transfer between a vial and a carpule. The device having a body fastened to the vial, a hollow needle, a moving element which is displaceable with respect to the body along the axis of the needle, a carpule reservoir constrained to moved axially in the direction of the axis of the needle, and a distance sleeve interposed between the body and the puncturable piston of the carpule. The distance sleeve forms a limit stop for the puncturable piston with respect to the body. The hollow needle is rigidly joined to the body and is axially fixed with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Sedat
    Inventor: Jean-Pascal Delay
  • Patent number: 6745802
    Abstract: A bottle drainage coupler unit has upper and lower coupler pairs to support bottles with viscous fluid such as ketchup for stable, effective, mouth to mouth drainage. The drainage is effected without the need for supervision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Carole Varga
  • Patent number: 6742557
    Abstract: An annular pan for mounting over a drum lid containing a liquid, the drum top having a hole for a pump conduit and an air hole. The annular pan has multiple parallel elongated walls increasing in height from the pump conduit to a portion of the pan containing a drain hole axially aligned with the drum lid air hole. The drain hole is covered by a device having a slot into which a fine mesh filter can be inserted for catching debris in liquid. A raised edge of the pan above a top surface of the pan has an indentation for receipt of the pump conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Backe
  • Patent number: 6729608
    Abstract: An elongated drain screw mechanism having a solid front end disposed in the fuel bowl of a carburetor. The mechanism has an intermediate section disposed in the bowl the intermediate section having at least one transverse opening into which fuel in the bowl can flow, and a rear section extending through the bowl to the outside of the bowl. The rear section has a hollow open end and has a longitudinal channel connected to the transverse opening and communicating with the hollow open end. A first quick disconnect coupler is disposed in and seals said open end of the rear section. The first coupler has a normally closed position which blocks fuel flow and can be placed in open position at which fuel can flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Del Sole
  • Patent number: 6722402
    Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a bag containing a bulk particulate material, having a discharge spout, generally consisting of a support structure, means for mounting such bag on the support structure, a hopper mounted on the support structure, a first member mounted on the support structure, having an opening through which the spout of a bag may be extended when the bag is mounted on the support structure, a second member mounted on support structure having an opening communicating with an inlet of the hopper, about which a portion of such spout extending through the opening of the first member may be fitted, and fluid actuated devices mounted on the support structure for displacing the first and second members relation to each other when the discharge spout of the bag is extended through the opening in such first member and fitted about such second member to cause a portion of spout to be interposed between such first and second members in clamped relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Young Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Ambs, Anthony Boroch
  • Patent number: 6716315
    Abstract: Water draining device for a paper machine or the like, in particular for a felted press of such a paper machine, including a receiving tank extending at least essentially over the machine width. The receiving tank includes a first chamber that receives arriving water and is under ambient pressure, and a second chamber that is connected to the first chamber and is under vacuum, into which the water collecting in the first chamber is aspirated and from which the water is eventually drained. A water receiving device of improved efficiency is also provided by forming a water receiving device by at least one suction channel projecting into the wedge-shaped area between the upper press roll and the dewatering belt, and extending transverse to the pulp web, which suction channel is connected to a source of reduced pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Steiner, Robert Wolf, Hans Prinzing
  • Patent number: 6715647
    Abstract: A funnel with support assembly for pouring paint from a can, having a funnel and a funnel support having a holster and a stand upon which the holster is supported. The funnel may be supported upon the funnel support. The funnel has a large opening located in proximity to the funnel top, a small opening located in proximity to the funnel bottom, and a cap for sealing its small opening. In use, the holster and stand are positioned above a paint tray. The user seals the small opening of the funnel with the cap and attaches the large opening of the funnel to the top of an open can of paint. The can of paint and the attached funnel are then inverted and positioned within the holster. The user begins the flow of paint by removing the cap from the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Todd Ivins