Flexible Hose Terminal With Receiver Engaging Means Patents (Class 141/382)
  • Patent number: 7318462
    Abstract: A closure device for a filler pipe of a tank intended to contain a liquid, the device including a valve that includes a valve body in communication with the pipe and a plug that can be moved in the valve body between a closed position and an open position of the valve. The body of the valve includes an inlet opening closed off by a flap that can be moved between an open position and a closed position, and an outlet opening. The flap is connected to the plug by a coupling such that a thrust exerted on the flap by a tubular end of a nozzle for admitting liquid into the tank causes the flap to tilt into the valve body and the plug to rotate, placing a cylindrical opening in the plug in alignment with inlet and outlet openings in the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventor: Patrick Ganachaud
  • Patent number: 7299835
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a fluid product between a fluid transport vessel and a storage vessel includes a tubular arrangement for conveying the fluid between the two vessels. The tubular arrangement includes a flexible transfer pipe hanging freely between ends in its transferring position and connected to a manifold of the transport vessel. Each of the ends of the transfer pipe has a pivoted connection with a vertical pin to avoid torsional stresses in the transfer pipe. The invention is useful to transferring liquefied natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Bernard Dupont, Stéphane Paquet
  • Patent number: 7275718
    Abstract: A refueling drogue adapted to connect to a refueling hose extending from a refueling aircraft. The refueling drogue may include an active control system, wherein, in an exemplary embodiment, the active control system is adapted to regulate the position of the drogue to maintain a substantially fixed orientation relative to a refueling aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Smiths Aerospace LLC
    Inventors: Frank Saggio, III, William B. Ribbens, Kean K. Ooi
  • Publication number: 20070175541
    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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew G. Ray
  • Patent number: 7150474
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a permanently mounted hose fitting for filling tank cars that facilitates the insertion of the hose into the top of the tank car to disperse material, pellet-like particles for example, throughout the tank car. The secured hose fitting of this invention is permanently affixed to the top of the tank. One preferred embodiment of a hose fitting for filling tank cars with particulate matter comprises a t-shaped pipe that defines a bore there-through. The t-shaped pipe comprises a tubular member and an intermediate leg extending substantially perpendicular from the tubular member. The intermediate leg has an intermediate leg end that is adapted to couple with a hose. A securing flange radiates outwardly from the intermediate leg and is adapted to fixedly attach the hose fitting to the top of the tank car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Chester Cary
  • Patent number: 7147021
    Abstract: A device for transferring a product between a ship and a fixed installation. The device is supported at one end by a support structure and the other end is capable of being connected to the ship's manifold. The support structure includes a boom carrying a transfer pipe, rotatable about a vertical axis above the ship, and a deformable transfer device, one end of which is connected to the pipe, and the other end is mobile between a stowed position proximate the boom and a position for connection to the ship's manifold. The invention is useful for transferring liquefied natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne d'Ingenierie Mecanique-Eurodim
    Inventors: Bernard Dupont, Stéphane Paquet
  • Patent number: 7048020
    Abstract: The device according to the invention comprises a connector on-board the vehicle, connected to the fuel tank via a pouring conduit and provided with a closure valve, and a filling element adapted to be connected to this connector. The filling element is provided with at least one member for detecting the abutment of the filling element on a fixed part of the connector, this member being adapted to control the displacement of a hook for locking the aforementioned element on the connector, between a first position where the hook is disengaged with respect to the connector and a second position where the hook is in engagement on the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Christophe Durieux, Alain-Christophe Tiberghien
  • Patent number: 7025082
    Abstract: An on-board refueling system for vehicles. The refueling system includes a coil reel and a fuel pump. The coil reel has a forward end and a rearward end, a handle proximate the forward end, and a nozzle attached to the forward end. The nozzle is configured to engage a siphon hose. The fuel pump is configured to be interconnected between the rearward end of the coil reel and a fuel tank through a tee connector. A handle is attached proximate the forward end of the coil reel. The nozzle can be configured with a one way valve to prevent fuel from draining when the coil reel is not in use. A coil box can be provided for the coil reel. An on/off valve, such as a petcock valve, is interconnected between the connector tee and a carburetor. An on/off switch can be interconnected to the fuel pump to enable remote operation of the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Bruce Wood
  • Patent number: 7021345
    Abstract: A hose breakaway fitting for a fuel hose and fuel dispenser that comprises of an inner ball-shaped valve section and an outer socket-shaped breakaway section. The valve section is connected to the dispenser's fuel outlet and the breakaway section is connected to one end of the fuel hose. In the event that a vehicle drives away with the fuel hose nozzle still lodged inside its fuel tank, the breakaway section swivels and separates from the valve section that automatically shuts off the flow of fuel to prevent a hazardous situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 7007726
    Abstract: A closure assembly and method for a capless fuel tank filler tube employs a housing with a flange adapted for mounting on a bulkhead having a nozzle size-discriminating and positioning aperture provided on the upper end of the filler tube. A sliding element in the housing has a nozzle opening offset from and normally closing the bulkhead aperture. Upon insertion of a refueling nozzle, a cam surface on sliding element causes the element to move to a position aligning the opening with the bulkhead aperture permitting the nozzle to be further inserted through the bulkhead. A projection on the sliding element may extend through a slot in the bulkhead for performing an auxiliary function such as releasing a flapper door latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Martin, Carl F. Binder
  • Patent number: 7007894
    Abstract: An in-flight refueling system, damping device and method are provided for enhancing the stability of an elongate hose extending from a tanker aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation. The various embodiments of the system, device, and method provide a passive, integrated damping device that may generate electrical energy from changes in disposition of the elongate hose and then using the electrical energy generated to impart mechanical damping forces to a portion of the elongate hose. Thus, the embodiments may minimize the occurrence of oscillations in the elongate hose as it extends from the tanker aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John F. Takacs, Stephen M. Stecko
  • Patent number: 7004208
    Abstract: The accumulated oil separator has a main body with an oil-gas connecting pipe on its front end and with an axial central hole having a predetermined diameter: a through hole in the main body is concentric with an axial central hole of the oil-gas connecting pipe; a radially extending chamber is extended down a predetermined depth from the top of the main body and is communicated on its two lateral sides with the axial central hole and the through hole; a regulatory controlling means is mounted in the radial chamber to control normal oil filling and oil-gas recovery, or can be regulated to be in an accumulated oil removing state; an accumulated oil discharging outlet is formed by drilling to communicate transversely with the radial chamber; the regulatory controlling means can directly discharge accumulated oil from the oil-gas recovery system for collection when it is adjusted to discharge accumulated oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Ming Hua Liu
  • Patent number: 6994294
    Abstract: A refueling drogue adapted to connect to a refueling hose extending from a refueling aircraft. The drogue may include a rotatable mass adapted to effectively stabilize the refueling drogue via a gyroscopic effect of the rotating mass on the refueling drogue when the refueling drogue is placed in an airstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Smiths Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Saggio, III, William B. Ribbens, Kean K. Ooi
  • 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: 6920903
    Abstract: An inkjet cartridge refurbishing apparatus includes a pump assembly with a fluid intake line that can be inserted into a bottle or other reservoir of ink or flushing/cleaning material. Connected to the output of the pump assembly is a fill gun having a fill needle mounted on a handle. The fill gun is operated by inserting the fill needle into an inkjet cartridge and actuating a fill trigger switch on the fill gun. Actuating the fill trigger switch activates the pump assembly to pump ink into the cartridge. An auto-cutoff device may control the volume of fluid pumped into the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventors: Mark James Ansier, Frank Jemela
  • Patent number: 6889519
    Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus provides for controlled delivery of fluids into a fluid system. The fluid delivery apparatus can allow a defined volume of fluid to be delivered to the fluid system cleanly, minimizing fluid waste and spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Bright Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Knowles
  • Patent number: 6799614
    Abstract: Fuel is dispensed into a fuel tank fill tube by a hand-held tool assembly having a body with an outlet tube connected to a fuel supply passage through an air actuated control valve. Spring biased arcuate jaws surround the outlet tube and expand outwardly into engagement with an inner surface of the fill tube by an air actuated annular clamping piston surrounding the outlet tube. An air actuated annular sealing piston surrounds the clamping piston and is effective to seal the outer end of the fill tube after the fill tube is clamped. The position of the fill tube is sensed by a pin which actuates a proximity switch, and a handle and fluid line connectors projecting from the body at right angles to the outlet tube. Thumb operated control switches are located adjacent the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Production Control Units, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Smith, Randy S. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6786247
    Abstract: An inflating device has a tubular body, a connector, an inflating needle, an end cap, a holder, an adapter and an airflow controlling device. The body has a central hole. The connector is formed on the body and has an inlet channel communicating with the central hole. The inflating needle is mounted on the body and has a first inflating channel communicating with the central hole. The end cap is attached to the body. The holder is received in the body and abuts against the end cap. The adapter is received in the body and has a second inflating channel. The airflow controlling device is mounted in the body to selectively communicate the inlet channel in the connector with one of the inflating channels. Accordingly, the inflating device can be adapted to inflate different types of objects and is versatile in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt Kemppainen, Tom Moeller
  • Publication number: 20040154697
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system comprising a device (11) for transferring the product between the ship and the installation, which is supported at one end by a support structure and whereof the other end is capable of being connected to the ship's manifold device (8). The system is characterised in that the support structure comprises a berth (5) the ship, a boom (8) carrying a transfer pipe (10), and mounted on the berth (5), rotatable about a vertical axis above the ship, and a deformable transfer device (11) one end of which is connected to the pipe (10), while the other end is mobile between a stowed position advantageously proximate to the boom (8) and a position for connection to the ship's manifold device (15). The invention is useful for transferring liquefied natural gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Bernard Dupont, Stephane Paquet
  • Patent number: 6722405
    Abstract: A safety kit 10 is provided for use with a flexible hose 2 for interconnecting a portable tank 14 with a another tank 12 to transmit fluids between the tanks. The safety kit includes a control housing 5 adapted for securing to one end of the hose, and a cable support housing 36 for securing to the opposing end of the hose. A valve member 20 is moveable relative to a seating surface for opening and closing flow through the control housing. A cable 18 is provided for positioning within the flexible hose 2. The cable may be in compression in one embodiment and in tension in other embodiments. If in compression, the cable support housing includes a cable loading mechanism 210, 250. When the cable is in tension, the trigger moves in response to movement of the cable to close off flow to the flexible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Cessac, Frank Gonzales, Spence M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 6692034
    Abstract: A breakaway device joins a portion of a dispensing hose that is connected to a fueling station with a portion of a dispensing hose that is joined to a coupling that connects to a vehicle during fueling. The breakaway device includes a pair of leg members that are joined by their proximal ends to the dispensing hose portions. The distal ends of the leg members are joined at an angle to a frangible member that includes a pair of inner segments that are joined in an abutting fashion by a surrounding frangible sleeve. When a driveaway occurs, the leg members are pulled apart and exert a bending moment on the frangible member. As a result, the frangible member breaks which prevents significant damage to the station. A pneumatic line that provides pressurized air to open the station dispensing valve is attached to each leg member so that when the frangible member breaks, the pneumatic line is ruptured so that pressurized air is no longer delivered to the dispensing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Chart Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Drube, Jesse Gamble, Gilbert J. Bily
  • Patent number: 6688348
    Abstract: A submerged flowline termination buoy supports flowlines below the sea's dynamic wave zone. An export hose, connected to the flowline at a submerged connection assembly which is supported from the termination buoy, is selectively connected to a dynamically positioned shuttle tanker above the buoy. The export hose is allowed to weathervane and is marked with a marker buoy when it is not connected to the shuttle tanker. The marker buoy is anchored to the export hose with a swivel to allow uninterrupted weathervaning of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Fontenot
  • Patent number: 6655426
    Abstract: An apparatus and method supplies lubricating fluid to an oil lubricating fluid receiving port of a mechanical device. A tank is adapted to hold the lubricating fluid, and a manually operated pump is mounted to the tank. A hose extends from the pump, so that the pump when operated pumps lubricating fluid from the tank into the hose. A shut-off valve is located at an end of the hose, and is manually moveable between an open position and a closed position. An adapter is attached to the shut-off valve and also attaches to the lubricating fluid receiving port, so that operation of the pump when the shut-off valve is in the open position forces lubricating fluid through the tube and through the adapter and into the lubricating fluid receiving port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Shevela
  • Patent number: 6648032
    Abstract: A controlled fuel distribution system and method for use in a vehicle fuel filling facility, including at least one fuel pump having a nozzle and at least one nozzle-mounted transceiver for receiving information from a vehicle prior to discharge of fuel thereinto and communicating with an authorization subsystem located at the vehicle fuel filling facility, and a fuel flow driven transceiver power generator operated by fuel pumped by the at least one fuel pump and passing through the nozzle for powering the at least one nozzle-mounted transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Orpak Industries (1983) Ltd.
    Inventors: David Kelrich, Hayim Kohen
  • Patent number: 6641000
    Abstract: A fuel conduction system is provided for conducting fuel between a fuel source and a fuel consuming device which are either integrated as a single unit or apart as separate units. The system generally comprises concentric supply and return tubes for connection between the fuel source and the pump of a consuming device. A valve is positioned in series with the supply line which prevents siphoning of the contents of the supply line if it is damaged. Anti-siphoning and flashback arrest measures are also provided on the return line. In one embodiment, the fuel conduction system may be used on a portable fuel storage devices for refueling various consuming devices. In another embodiment, the fuel conduction system may be used on a fuel consuming device, between the pump and fuel storage container thereon, so that the fuel storage container may be selectively separated from the device in a safe manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jack Lange
  • Publication number: 20030197027
    Abstract: A handle assembly and related kit for dispensing liquid to a surface. The handle assembly includes a handle, a valve system, and an actuator assembly. The valve system includes a delivery tube disposed within the handle that fluidly connects an upstream housing and a dispensing assembly. The upstream housing is fluidly connected to a liquid reservoir. The dispensing assembly includes a plunger forming at least one orifice. The actuator assembly biases the valve system toward a closed position in which the orifice is exteriorly sealed, and allows actuation to an open position in which the orifice is open relative to an exterior of the handle assembly. During use, the valve system is transitioned to the open position in which liquid flows from the reservoir to the orifice and outwardly therefrom without introducing air upstream of the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: John J. Dyer
  • Publication number: 20030172991
    Abstract: To increase the safety of a transfer assembly for hydrocarbon products, particularly liquefied natural gas from a production site to a transport vessel (8) (such as a shuttle tanker), the invention proposes to provide the production site with an outrigger structure (10) with at the distant end thereof a compacted length of a flexible product transfer hose (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jacob de Baan
  • Patent number: 6619338
    Abstract: A material loading skirt system for reducing contamination of material during loading. The material loading skirt system includes a tubular skirt having a narrow end and a broad end, a first elastic band is attached to the broad end of the tubular skirt, and a second elastic band is attached to the narrow end of the tubular skirt. The narrow end of the tubular skirt is snugly attachable about a loading tube and the broad end of the tubular skirt is snugly attachable about a container hatch. The tubular skirt has a tapered structure from the broad end to the narrow end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Henry C. Bonde, III
  • Patent number: 6612348
    Abstract: A liquid delivery system for a marine vessel or a road vehicle is provided which comprises a flexible bladder for housing a liquid, a portable pump, a protective housing for the pump, a pump switch and conduits for connecting the bladder, the pump and a container for liquid or the vessel or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Wiley
  • Patent number: 6607014
    Abstract: A fuel filling system includes a diesel fuel filler orifice on the vehicle for receiving diesel fuel from a diesel fuel supply nozzle. The diesel fuel filler orifice is of non-circular cross-section and has a minimum internal dimension which is less than the external diameter of a traditional lead free fuel pump nozzle. A diesel fuel supply nozzle is also disclosed. This supply nozzle has a maximum external dimension greater than the internal diameter of a traditional leaded fuel filler orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony Keith Webb
  • Patent number: 6591876
    Abstract: A transfer guard for use by an individual for transferring contents from a supply container into a receiver container includes a supply adapter, a receiver adapter, a support structure and a fluid conducting element. The supply adapter connects the supply container to the transfer guard, and the receiver adapter connects the receiver container to the transfer guard. The support structure couples the supply adapter with the receiver adapter, and supports the fluid conducting element which, passes through the supply adapter and the receiver adapter. The fluid conducting element provides a passage for the contents to transfer from the supply container into the receiver container. The fluid conducting element also includes at least one pointed end that is substantially protected by the transfer guard from contact with the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason H. Safabash
  • Publication number: 20030106611
    Abstract: An apparatus and method supplies lubricating fluid to an oil lubricating fluid receiving port of a mechanical device. A tank is adapted to hold the lubricating fluid, and a manually operated pump is mounted to the tank. A hose extends from the pump, so that the pump when operated pumps lubricating fluid from the tank into the hose. A shut-off valve is located at an end of the hose, and is manually moveable between an open position and a closed position. An adapter is attached to the shut-off valve and also attaches to the lubricating fluid receiving port, so that operation of the pump when the shut-off valve is in the open position forces lubricating fluid through the tube and through the adapter and into the lubricating fluid receiving port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Shevela
  • Patent number: 6568569
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser for a sink is disclosed which includes a pump assembly with a reciprocatable pump head and a dispensing nozzle. A mounting fixture is adapted to be attached to the sink and configured to support the pump assembly. A fluid line is attached to the pump assembly and adapted to channel a fluid from a dispenser bottle to the dispensing nozzle. The fluid line has a length that permits the dispenser bottle to be located on the base of a cabinet supporting the sink. A check valve is positioned within the fluid line and adapted to inhibit fluid flow along the fluid line in a direction toward the dispenser bottle when the fluid line is attached to a dispenser bottle. A kit is also disclosed for modifying a standard liquid dispenser to permit use of conventional soap or lotion bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Jonathan P. Betz
  • Patent number: 6523582
    Abstract: An automobile fuel filler port structure is provided that can improve the fuel filling performance and suppress scattering of the fuel. The automobile fuel filler port structure has a ventilation jacket that is formed between a guide part and the inner surface of a neck section and a plurality of helical swirl grooves that are formed on the surface of the guide part. A recirculation port that recirculates fuel-vapor-containing air during refueling is connected at the outer end of ventilation jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsumi Furuta
  • Patent number: 6467513
    Abstract: In a reactor in which reaction tube(s), cooling tubes, heating tubes or combinations thereof are provided, a method for packing a catalyst comprising a step of packing the catalyst in the space formed between the inner wall of the reactor and the outer walls of the tubes by passing the catalyst through a flexible tube provided in the inside of the reactor and having a means to absorb the impact to the catalyst and thereby feeding the catalyst along the inner wall of the reactor with the falling distance of the catalyst maintained within a certain range and a step of fluidizing the catalyst thus-packed in said space, and a device for effecting the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Yanaru, Hitoshi Nakamura, Yuzuru Yanagisawa
  • Publication number: 20020121313
    Abstract: A coupling device for fueling automobile gasoline tanks is disclosed and claimed. The coupling has two parts: a cap assembly (female half) and a nozzle assembly (male half). Little or no spillage occurs due to opposing flush faces of the female main valve and the plug of the male. The cap assembly is affixed to an existing gasoline tank (fuel storage tank) or alternatively can be supplied as original equipment on a new automobile. Fuel vapor is extracted from the automobile fuel tank with high efficiency and returned to the pumping station for storage and/or reprocessing. Vapors and/or liquid fuel are extracted through the portion of the gasoline tank cap assembly which resides within the tank. Apertures in the cap assembly communicate with an annular passageway which removes the vapors to ports which mate with peripheral apertures in a concentric nozzle having an outer sheath and an inner fluid conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Burns
  • Patent number: 6442958
    Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus provides for controlled delivery of fluids into a fluid system. The fluid delivery apparatus can allow a defined volume of fluid to be delivered to the fluid system cleanly, minimizing fluid waste and spillage. The fluid delivery apparatus can provide a mechanical advantage allowing the fluid to be delivered easily and efficiently to a pressurized fluid system. The apparatus can have a piston and handle arrangement that can reduce wear of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Bright Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Knowles
  • Patent number: 6415828
    Abstract: An arrangement for providing fluid communication between an offshore hydrocarbon production and/or storage facility and an offshore loading system such as a CALM buoy is disclosed. A pipeline from a FPSO or production platform runs to a submerged flowline termination buoy which is positioned beneath and separated a short distance from a CALM buoy. The flowline termination buoy is separately anchored to the sea bed from the CALM buoy, and is at a depth below the turbulent zone of the sea. The end of the pipeline is suspended from the flowline termination buoy, and a marine hose fluidly connects the end of the pipeline to a stationary part of a fluid swivel on the CALM buoy. The arrangement isolates the end of the pipeline from fatigue inducing motions of the CALM buoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arun S. Duggal, Martin J. Krafft, Caspar N. Heyl, Richard H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 6412433
    Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for load transfer between the stern of a first vessel and the bow of a second vessel. Two bow hawsers are arranged to run from each of their anchor points near the sides of the ship at each side of the stern, to the bow, with the hawsers having approximately the same length. A loading hose is arranged to run centrally from the middle point of the stern of the first vessel to the bow of the second vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Navion AS
    Inventors: Kåre Breivik, Harald Kleppestø
  • Patent number: 6390152
    Abstract: A bulk unloading station is formed by two elongated modules stacked one on top of the other. Each module has a frame with pillars and when the upper module is stacked on the lower module the pillars on the upper module align with the pillars on the lower module. The modules are sized for shipment by truck or railroad car to the bulk unloading site. The lower module contains fluid transfer equipment. Unloading arms, with fluid conduits connectable to a fluid containing vehicle at one lateral side of the station, are mounted on the upper module. Conduits extending between the lower module and the upper module include removable segments at the juncture of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Aluminum Ladder Company
    Inventors: John K. Donovan, Eugene R. Brown, Ronald W. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6390157
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable lubricant replenishing system for an industrial machine and comprises a battery operated pump for dispensing the lubricant to the machine. The lubricant replenishing system further comprises a retractable tube coupled with a specially configured nozzle to secure to a lubricant reservoir of the machine. The lubricant replenishing system further comprises a control module adapted to operate the pump and display a system status. The present invention also relates to a method of replenishing one or multiple industrial machines with the portable lubricant replenishing system. The method further comprises a robot and a guided vehicle system enabling the method to be operable manually or fully automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Chalor Moogdaharn, Watcharin Pinlam, Youthachai Bupparit
  • Patent number: 6374867
    Abstract: A liquid container comprises a container body, a hollow fill/drain conduit and a retaining member. The container body includes a base and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the base to define a liquid reservoir. The side wall includes a first port adjacent to the base. The fill/drain conduit has a first end and a second end. The first end of the conduit includes a first connector adapted for connecting the first end of the conduit with the first port in a manner to permit fluid communication between the conduit and the liquid reservoir via the first port. The second end of the conduit is moveable relative to the first end of the conduit between a stored position and a drain position. In the stored position, the second end of the conduit is positioned above a maximum recommended liquid level of the liquid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Contico International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Tony Maiuro
  • Patent number: 6371175
    Abstract: In a filling system for moving a supply of liquid through an automatic nozzle, a filling adaptor affixed to a fill pipe of the container for receiving the automatic nozzle has a safety closure at a discharge end thereof to reduce spillage of liquid from the container upon tipping of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph M. Nusbaumer, Ronald Woods
  • Patent number: 6360790
    Abstract: An apparatus for adding coolant to a cooling system of a motor vehicle includes a cap with a resilient sleeve that expands against the inside wall of a radiator filler neck to provide an airtight connection. A valve attached to the cap controls the flow of air and coolant through the cap. A gauge on the cap indicates the pressure inside the radiator. A venturi assembly connected to the valve provides a source of vacuum for evacuating air from the cooling system. Thereafter, coolant is drawn through the cap by the vacuum created in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: UView Ultraviolet Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Klamm, Phil Trigiani
  • Patent number: 6341628
    Abstract: A battery filling system for use in efficiently adding water to, for example, those lead-acid batteries which are located in inconvenient or hard-to-reach places. The battery filling system includes a first flexible tube for use in transferring distilled water from the interior of a water-filled vessel to the hard-to-reach cell of a lead-acid battery. A second flexible tube transfers pressurized air from an external pressurized air source (typically human lungs) to the interior of the vessel in a quantity sufficient to cause the water to advance into and fill the first tube. A cap is used to snugly attach both tubes to the vessel. A means is also provided to minimize loss of air pressure from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: William C. Burson
  • Patent number: 6311744
    Abstract: A hose fitting for filling tank cars comprising a t-shaped pipe defining a bore therethrough, the t-shaped pipe comprising a body member with one or more pairs of opposingly directed tubular legs, and an intermediate leg extending substantially perpendicular from the body member, the intermediate leg comprising an intermediate leg end adapted to couple with a hose; and one or more tube extensions for coupling with the tubular legs, each of the one or more tube extensions connected to one of the tubular legs by a connecting wire so that the tube extensions remain connected to the tubular legs when the tube extensions are uncoupled from the tubular legs. A method for filling tank cars with pellet-shaped particles is also provided, the method comprising transporting the t-shaped pipe to the roof of a tank car, the tank car roof having one or more openings for receiving materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Chester Cary
  • Patent number: 6308753
    Abstract: A system for transferring a hazardous fluid product from a transport tank (10) of a roadway vehicle (12) to a fixed storage tank (14). A flexible transfer hose assembly (30) has end couplings (34, 36) which are detachably connected between the transport tank (10) and storage tank (14). A gas operated product supply valve (44) is opened by pressurized gas to permit flow of the hazardous product, such as propane, from tank (10). A gas control valve (46) controls the flow of pressurized gas to gas operated product supply valve (44). Upon a separation or rupture of flexible hose (31) or couplings (34, 36), the fluid pressure of the hazardous product in hose (31) is sensed at fluid sensing chamber (94) in gas control valve (46). A reduction in sensed fluid pressure to a predetermined maximum pressure results in movement of piston (82) to the position shown in FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 6293319
    Abstract: An apparatus (22) and method for detecting leaks in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system (24) comprising a cartridge (26) is described. A facility (28) is for fluidly coupling the cartridge (26) to the pressurized system (24). An assemblage (30) is for forcing a secondary fluid (32) out of the cartridge (26), through the fluidly coupling facility (28) and into a service valve (34) of the pressurized system (24). The cartridge (26) has a first open end with an inner nozzle (33) which connects to the system being charged and an outer nozzle (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: UView Ultraviolet Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Phil Trigiani
  • Patent number: 6283172
    Abstract: A device for repairing a tire fault by injecting repair liquid into the faulty tire, said liquid being present in a compressible liquid storage volume (100). Said volume (100) is sealed in such a way that it is watertight at at least one first sealing point (60) to be opened and is located in a pressurized container (56). Said pressurized container is subjected to the pressure of a pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source (28) in a compression chamber which becomes larger as it is affected by the pressurized gas. When the first sealing point (60) is opened, the volume (100) delivers repair liquid to the tire (12) through the opened first sealing point (60) be extracted from the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Alusuisse Bayrisches Druckguss-Werk GmbH Co. KG
    Inventor: Helmut Thurner
  • Patent number: RE38342
    Abstract: An apparatus (22) and method for detecting leaks in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system (24) comprising a cartridge (26) is described. A facility (28) is for fluidly coupling the cartridge (26) to the pressurized system (24). An assemblage (30) is for forcing a secondary fluid (32) out of the cartridge (26), through the fluidly coupling facility (28) and into a service valve (34) of the pressurized system (24). The cartridge (26) has a first open end with an inner nozzle (33) which connects to the system being charged and an outer nozzle (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: UView Ultraviolet Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Phil Trigiani