Flexible Hose Terminal With Receiver Engaging Means Patents (Class 141/382)
  • Patent number: 6250348
    Abstract: An improved refueling system is provided for faster and safer pit stop refueling of a race car during a race. The refueling system is particularly designed for faster gravity drain flow of fuel from a pitside fuel tank to a fuel cell on the race car. The refueling system comprises an improved fuel nozzle adapted for quick and easy engagement with a mating receiver on the race car. In the course of engaging the fuel nozzle with the receiver, a poppet-type valve in the nozzle is moved to a full-open position defining a substantially unobstructed flow path for fuel flow through the nozzle at a substantially optimized flow rate to achieve refueling of the race car in the shortest possible time. The fuel nozzle is quickly and easily disengaged from the car receiver, and such disengagement is accompanied by automatic closure of the poppet-type valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: J. C. Carter Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Reinholdt
  • Patent number: 6234215
    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 air-tight 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: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: UView Ultraviolet Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Klamm
  • Patent number: 6223788
    Abstract: A multi-product fuel dispensing system includes a plurality of reservoir tanks. Each tank has a specific grade of fuel stored therein. Each reservoir tank has a fuel delivery line connected thereto. A fuel delivery conduit has at least two flow channels. One flow channel is connected to receive a first grade of fuel from one of the fuel delivery lines, and another flow channel is connected to receive a second grade of fuel, of a lower grade than the first grade, from another of the fuel delivery lines. A nozzle has a connection to receive fuel from the fuel delivery conduit. A first proportional flow control and blend valve is connected in the system for receiving the first grade of fuel. A second proportional flow control and blend valve is connected in the system for receiving the second grade of fuel. A meter is connected in the system for receiving the second grade of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Dresser Equipment Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6216755
    Abstract: A device for simultaneously filling a container serving as a fuel tank and a container serving as a reducing-agent container with a single pump nozzle is used for environmentally friendly internal combustion engines with exhaust-gas purification systems requiring both tanks which are to be refilled repeatedly. Filler necks of the containers as well as outlet pipes disposed in the pump nozzle and assigned to the filler necks, are combined. A method for filling the containers is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Ronald Neufert
  • Patent number: 6209593
    Abstract: A pump system for a helicopter tanker includes an axial flow electric pump coupled to a lower end of a snorkel having a generally tubular pump housing extending along a central axis between an open upper end and an opposite open lower end serving as an inlet of the pump. An in-line electric motor is supported within the housing along the axis and has an output drive shaft mounting an impeller. A filter screen basket is mounted on the lower end of the housing to filter water for filtering the incoming water. An electric power cable extends from the motor through a the housing and is shrouded externally by a protective metal cable guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Carry Manufacturing
    Inventor: Delmar G. Nichols, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6186197
    Abstract: An apparatus (22) for charging a pressurized system (24) comprising a lubricant canister (26). A facility (28) is for fluidly coupling the lubricant canister (26) to the pressurized system (24). An assemblage (30) is for forcing lubricant (32) out of the lubricant canister (26), through the fluidly coupling facility (28) and into a service valve (34) of the pressurized system (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: UView Ultraviolet Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Phil Trigiani
  • Patent number: 6179023
    Abstract: An air blower comprises a first unit having means for producing compressed air and a reservoir for storing the compressed air and a second unit including a portable storage tank for holding compressed air, and means for releasing the compressed air from the storage tank. Means for charging are provided whereby compressed air in the reservoir of the first unit is transferred to the storage tank of the second unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Air-Jet, Inc
    Inventor: Daniel W. McGee
  • Patent number: 6164348
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for supplying dye to a leak tester and injecting the dye into a sealed system by precharging a disposable plastic syringe with a sufficient volume of dye to conduct the leak testing. The precharged syringe is shipped to the tester who connects the syringe to a hose assembly having a check valve, and a Luer coupling adapter at one end and a Schrader at the other end, which is then connected to the system, and the syringe plunger advanced to inject the dye. An adjustable stop on the syringe plunger allows an accurately set portion of the total volume to be injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Corrosion Consultants, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony W. Rodwell, Kenneth J. Kranz, Victor J. Shanley
  • Patent number: 6155313
    Abstract: A tire inflation apparatus and method involves first evacuating a seated pneumatic tire using a vacuum pump and then inflating the tire with a dried inert gas under pressure without allowing any ambient air to reenter the evacuated tire. The apparatus includes a three way valve which is connected by a first conduit to a tank of pressurized inert gas and by a second conduit to the vacuum pump. A hose having a tire valve chuck connected to a distal end is connected at the opposite end from the chuck to the three way valve. The three way valve selectively and alternatively flow connects the hose to the tank of pressurized gas or the vacuum pump through the first or second conduits respectively. The hose is initially connected to the vacuum pump to evacuate the tire, and then to the tank of pressurized gas to inflate the tire. A heater on the first conduit heats the cooled gas exiting the tank to raise the temperature of the pressurized gas delivered to the tire at least to the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Beverly Smalley
    Inventor: William R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 6152199
    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: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: Joseph M. Nusbaumer, Ronald Woods
  • Patent number: 6152193
    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 air-tight 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: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: UView Ultraviolet Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Klamm
  • Patent number: 6123123
    Abstract: A system for dispensing a fluid from a first tank into a second tank, in which one of the tanks is attached to a vehicle. The system comprises a flexible, stretchable, resilient delivery hose, a first end of the delivery hose being connected to the first tank and a second end of the delivery hose being attached to a nozzle adapted to dispense the fluid into the second tank. A flexible tension element is provided between first and second fittings on the hose, the fittings being separated by at least six feet (two meters), the tension element substantially eliminating stretching of the delivery hose between the fittings. The tension element substantially reduces damage to the hose and to surrounding persons and objects when the hose is pulled and released as in a drive-away from a gasoline dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: M. Carder Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mervin L. Carder, Sr., E. Leonard Poli
  • Patent number: 6116300
    Abstract: A pre-conditioned air adapter chute to connect an aircraft to a pre-conditioned air unit on the ground. The adapter is a type which can be attached to the aircraft by pushing up on the adapter's handles to cause the safety latches to engage the aircraft, and can be removed from the aircraft by pulling down on the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: David Francis Kofflin
  • Patent number: 6079458
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide dispenser and a cap (2) for introducing carbon dioxide to a bottle (1). The carbon dioxide dispenser of the invention comprises a pressurized carbon dioxide source, such as a pressure vessel (3), a pressure regulator (7), flow means (4, 6) for feeding carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide source to a bottle, and said cap (2) provided with a valve for connecting said means to the bottle (1). The present invention provides a carbon dioxide dispenser which is easy to handle and has a reliable valve means which can be used by anyone without any risk of explosion during use. The invention also provides a carbon dioxide dispenser for effectively distributing the introduced carbon dioxide in the bottle. For this purpose the cap (2) comprises in its end facing the bottle (1) a distribution means (8) for atomizing the carbon dioxide so that, when flowing into the bottle, it is more effectively absorbed by the beverage in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Oy Uni Import AB
    Inventor: Ole Sten
  • Patent number: 6079632
    Abstract: A comprehesive product dispensing system including a product/carrier dispensing system. The product carrier dispensing system comprising a carrier dispensing system and a product dispensing system. The product dispensing system including a product dispensing device and a product dispensing control system. The product dispensing control system includes a flowmeter and a controller. The controller regulates the injection rate of product injected into the carrier and the flowmeter provides feedback to the controller for regulating the injection rate of product. Product is dispensed from product containers which may be filled via a closed transfer delivery system for safe product handling and transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Ag-Chem Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jianhua Yan
  • Patent number: 6068032
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for receiving, transporting, and dispersing a viscous product from one storage tank to another. The assembly, includes a housing container, comprising a reusable fill bag and a sealable container secured within the housing container. A hose attaches at one end to the reusable fill bag and at the other end to a male portion of a drain valve system. A female portion of the drain valve system fixably mounts to the storage tanks The viscous product flows between a storage tank and the housing container fill bag after the male portion is inserted into the female portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Alan R. Milner
  • Patent number: 6065507
    Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of an ORVR-equipped vehicle having a fuel tank filler pipe including an annular vapor block mounted in the fuel tank filler pipe. The vapor block has sufficient length to substantially block vapor flow through a plurality of vapor return openings in a vacuum assist nozzle spout and further includes an internal diameter complementary with the outside diameter of the nozzle so as to prevent the creation of a vapor tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
  • Patent number: 6056028
    Abstract: A portable vehicle fueling device is described wherein fuel is dispensed directly from the vehicle fuel tank directly from the vehicle fuel tank by the vehicle fuel pump through the hose of this invention so that a supply of gasoline can be provided for auxiliary engines such as boat, lawn mowers, and the like. A Schrader valve is provided in the fuel line and the portable device of this invention includes a coupling for opening the Schrader valve at the end of the hose and a nozzle at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Dale W. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6055975
    Abstract: A high volume reservoir is adapted to hold up to 1000 or more paintballs. A harness or pack is provided to allow the reservoir to be unobtrusively carried by the operator of a paintball marker. A conduit is adapted to extend between the reservoir and paintball marker to continuously or selectively feed paintballs into the marker. A valve assembly mounted on the end of the conduit allows an operator to simultaneously load and fire the paintball marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: The Paintball Emporium, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne J. Gallagher, Phillip P. Donahue, James M. Adams, Robert F. Combs
  • Patent number: 6053222
    Abstract: This invention solves the problem of removing undamaged inflated dunnage bags from a cargo space by using a high pressure air source to both open the dunnage bag inflation valve and to suck air out of the bag by discharging the high pressure air through a venturi system. Thus large dunnage bags may be deflated in about one minute. The deflation valves provided by this invention also serve as inflation valves by simply disabling the venturi system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Gerald Lamar Peters
  • Patent number: 6050310
    Abstract: An apparatus (22) for charging a pressurized system (24) comprising a lubricant canister (26). A facility (28) is for fluidly coupling the lubricant canister (26) to the pressurized system (24). An assemblage (30) is for forcing lubricant (32) out of the lubricant canister (26), through the fluidly coupling facility (28) and into a service valve (34) of the pressurized system (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Phil Trigiani
  • Patent number: 6045012
    Abstract: A fuel can adapter is used for adapting standard fuel carrier cans for use as temporary fuel tanks for outboard motors and the like. The adapter has a tapered bung that fits snugly into the necks of all common fuel cans and a peripheral flange at the top end of the bung. The thimble supplied with the fuel can for use on the fuel can neck is threaded onto the neck over the adapter for holding the adapter in place. A fuel passage through the bung is connected at the bottom end with a nipple which is in turn connected to a flexible fuel suction line extending from the bung to the bottom of the can. At the top end of the bung is a conventional fuel tank coupling for connection to the coupling component on the end of an outboard motor fuel line. In preferred embodiments, the bung is equipped with an air passage and a check valve for allowing air to enter the can while preventing the flow of air or fuel from the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Mark G. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6006799
    Abstract: To diminish the escape of fuel vapors from a fuel tank filling tube during filling of the tank, a valve is provided that is switched by insertion of a fuel pump nozzle into the filling pipe so that fuel vapors escaping upon filling of the fuel tank are transmitted with comparatively low flow resistance to an active carbon receptacle. When the fuel pump nozzle is removed from the filling tube, the valve is returned to its normal operating position in which venting of the tank takes place through an upper portion of the tank filling tube and through a gravity valve and a pressure holding valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Burkhard Kraft, Liane Ludwig, Rolf Reinke
  • Patent number: 6003547
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a container having an opening with a liquid includes a valve assembly, disposed in the opening of the container, and a nozzle assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing having a plug detachably mounted therein. An inlet passageway extends through the plug to the interior of the container. An inlet valve is located in the inlet passageway. A relief passageway also extends through the plug to the interior of the container, and a relief valve is located in the relief passageway. The nozzle assembly is coupled to a liquid supply and is adapted to matingly engage an inlet port of the valve assembly. The nozzle assembly engages the inlet port to allow liquid from the liquid supply to flow through the inlet passageway into the interior of the container, and opens the relief valve to vent the interior of the container during the filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Tippmann Pneumatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Tippmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6003569
    Abstract: A Portable Automated Water Purifier and Method is disclosed. Also disclosed is a preferred purifier that accepts supply water from a common water spigot and purifies it via a reverse osmosis (or other preferred filtration) process. The purified water is dispensed into a vessel until such time as a non-intrusive level detector indicates that the vessel is fill. The preferred level detector is able to detect the amount of water in the vessel from outside of the vessel, and without the use of a weight scale. The device might detect when the vessel is removed from it's dispensing location, such that the purifier dispensing will be stopped. The preferred purifier includes guides to steady the vessel as it sits in the dispensing location. In another preferred embodiment, a means for filling a beverage preparing device, such as an automatic coffee maker, is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Gordon L. Williams
    Inventor: Gordon Williams
  • Patent number: 5983962
    Abstract: A portable fuel dispensing system which eliminates the need for underground storage tanks that are subject to leaks resulting in contamination of the stored fuel, soil and ground water creating costly environmental hazards. A semi-tractor trailer supported fuel receptacle has a plurality of metered fuel dispensers along the sides thereof allowing several customers to park along side the trailer and fuel their vehicles. The trailer may be taken to a central location for filling and then transported to a convenient retail location for dispensing the fuel to customers' vehicles. When empty, the trailer is returned to the central location for refuelling. During this return trip, the tank may be connected to a fuel/air inlet of the tractor so fuel vapor remaining in the tank may be burned rather than escaping into the atmosphere. The system is a completely closed system with no venting of fumes into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Nolan P. Gerardot
  • Patent number: 5975154
    Abstract: A fuel overflow prevention system for substantially eliminating fuel spillage both due to over-filling during fueling and due to fuel expansion in fuel tanks. The device includes a fuel discharge preventor and a nozzle adapter that work together during re-fueling to allow displacement by fuel of gases within the fuel tank until such time that the fuel reaches a predetermined level in the tank. The system also includes a feedback coupling to permit the transfer of excess fuel from the preventor back to the fuel inlet, particularly when an automatic shutoff nozzle is employed. The system further includes an extension tube to allow remote location of a housing containing the discharge prevention valving of the invention. The discharge prevention housing only permits venting of vapors to the atmosphere and prevents liquid fuel discharge. A vent tube coupling permits venting of those vapors to a standard marine atmospheric vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Benric Technologies
    Inventor: Willard M. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5976583
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting wine aging in one or more cask containers from exposure to air caused by depletion of wine in such casks by providing a reservoir of wine in a flexible bag suspended above the cask(s) with a tube(s) directing such wine through an aperture in the bung(s) of the top bunghole(s) of the cask(s) to maintain the cask(s) in a full state while the wine ages therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Edward P. Mastrocola
  • Patent number: 5967198
    Abstract: A tire inflation apparatus and method involves first evacuating a seated pneumatic tire via a vacuum pump and then inflating the tire with a purified, dried gas under pressure, such as pressurized nitrogen, without allowing any ambient air to reenter the evacuated tire. The apparatus includes a three way valve which attaches to the source of compressed dry gas, to the tire valve, and to the vacuum pump with a micron vacuum gauge provided for monitoring the state of vacuum within the evacuated tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Beverly J. Smalley
    Inventor: William R. Smalley
  • Patent number: 5960841
    Abstract: The invention provides A pneumatically sealed rapidly attachable and demountable A-clamp type yoke for filling compressed gas cylinders having valves designed for interengagement for A-clamp type yokes, the A-clamp type yoke comprising an A-clamp type yoke housing, an opening in the housing for receiving the spout of a tank valve, a stepped cylindrical bore in the housing connected to the opening, a stepped cylindrical piston-like element held in and guided for reciprocal movement in the stepped cylindrical bore, the piston-like element being provided with a through-going conduit for gas flow and with an annular surface surrounding the outlet of the conduit and sized for sealing abutment against a sealing surface of the spout of the tank valve inserted in the opening, a compression spring in the stepped cylindrical bore urging the piston-like element and the annular surface thereof into engagement with the spout, and means of attachment of the yoke to a source hose, the means including a conduit leading to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Eilat Divers Supply Ltd.
    Inventor: Edward E. Green
  • Patent number: 5937922
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle seal that can be inserted into the filler neck of a fuel tank. The nozzle seal has a sealing ring made of elastomeric material with a sealing lip that is configured to sealingly surround with a degree of elastic prestressing a dispensing nozzle that is inserted into the filler neck. The sealing ring is joined to a seal support tapering conically in the direction of the fuel tank. The seal support is constructed in one piece, and is connected frictionally or with form locking to the sealing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Hartmut Hor, Joachim Heinemann, Reinhard Tinz
  • Patent number: 5931207
    Abstract: A multi purpose portable hand held compressed air power unit for spraying liquids from a tank or for inflating inflatable items. Said power unit having a trigger operated battery system and external electrical source provided in a housing having an electric motor and an air compressor. An air conduit pipe extends downwardly from the housing supplying compressed air into a liquid tank for spraying or to modified attachments attachable to inflate items such as tires, tubes, water floats or other inflatable items. The alternative electric power source can be used to replace the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Rosario N. Gianino
  • Patent number: 5927350
    Abstract: A system for preventing spillage from containers during the filling thereof includes an electrical circuit extending between one or more filling ports of the container and being connected with one or more liquid level sensitive switches within the container. A liquid dispensing apparatus for dispensing liquid into the container is coupled to the circuit so as to be enabled to dispense liquid into the container when the circuit is closed and to be disabled from dispensing liquid into the container when the circuit is opened. The circuit includes electrically isolated leads at each of the one or more filling ports that can be connected with each other so as to complete the circuit at that port when either the filling port is properly capped or the liquid dispensing apparatus is properly coupled to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Customized Transportation Inc.
    Inventor: George Thomas Kissinger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5899249
    Abstract: A fuel spill collector device having a hollow body mounted onto the spout of a fuel pump delivery nozzle, where the end of the spout extends completely through the hollow body, the hollow body having an entrance flow guide member aperture to receive the spout and an exit flow guide aperture for passage of the end of the spout out of the hollow body, there being a gap between the spout and exit flow guide member so that fuel backsplash will flow into the interior of the hollow body when the fuel filler line or tank is blocked or full. The exit flow guide seals the fuel fill fitting to prevent any spillage into the environment. When the fuel filling process ceases, the fuel captured within the hollow body flows back into the fuel line. Ribs may be provided to maintain the gap between the device and the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Gary Armellino
  • Patent number: 5894872
    Abstract: A motorcycle gasoline tank filling valve including an outer member secured to an outer surface of a filling opening of a motorcycle gasoline tank. A cylindrical filling tube is slidably disposed within the outer member for communication with the motorcycle gasoline tank. A retention mechanism is secured to a lower surface of the outer member and secured to the cylindrical filling tube for biasing of the cylindrical filling tube to an orientation extended outwardly of the filling opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Michael J. Gale
  • Patent number: 5893398
    Abstract: A system and method for servicing aircraft on a flight line away from a maintenance terminal comprises a first set of vehicles for servicing the aircraft directly and a second set of vehicles for servicing the service vehicles. The first set of vehicles requires fuel and oil in order to operate; the second set brings fuel and oil to the first set to make it unnecessary for the first set to halt aircraft servicing in order to return to the terminal. The second set of vehicles includes a trailer with three tanks, one for jet fuel, one for diesel fuel and one for oil. The tanks are placed on a catch basin carried on a trailer. Each has a tapered bottom with a drain and an inlet port at the top with a funnel-shaped collar. Each tank also carries its own transfer hose with a manual pump and has a sight guage, ground cable, lifting rings and lifting handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Detrolia Garrett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5868224
    Abstract: An adaptor for generally permanent coupling of a lubricant line to a lubricant fitting. The fitting has a base, a neck, a head, a lubricant passage, and a valve member biased toward a closed position. The adaptor comprises a body having a hole extending therethrough and an insert in the hole having a circular head and a thin-walled cylindrical extension extending from the head slidable in the hole. The extension defines a socket for receiving the head of the fitting on application of the body and insert to the fitting. The extension is radially inwardly deformable into interlocking engagement with the fitting. The head of the insert has a pin extending therefrom within the socket in the direction toward an inner end of the hole. The head includes a passage for flow of lubricant therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: McNeil (Ohio) Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard J. DiCarlo
  • Patent number: 5868178
    Abstract: A straw for storing a biological liquid such as animal semen, the straw comprising a fine tube open at both ends and closed by a plug engaged in one of said ends, said plug being formed by a powder suitable for transforming, on contact with the liquid, into a paste that is impermeable and leakproof, which powder is interposed between an external wad and an internal wad of a fiber material that is permeable to air and to liquids. The length of the external wad is at least twice as long as the length of the internal wad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Eurl Cryo Vet
    Inventor: Pascal Xavier Lecointe
  • Patent number: 5839489
    Abstract: Filling adaptor for a fuel tank, including a tubular body having a first open end communicating upstream with the filling orifice and a second open end communicating downstream with the filler pipe, the tubular body comprising downstream an internally frustoconical final portion whose cross-section decreases in the downstream direction, the cone vertex angle of which is no greater than 10.degree. and the smallest internal diameter of which is equal to or slightly greater than the external diameter of the spout of the filler nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Patrick Ganachaud, Jacques Turpin, Eddy Maignan, Jean-Philippe Rolinat
  • Patent number: 5839488
    Abstract: Problems of filling dunnage bags for cushioning loads in transit in trailers, railroad cars, and the like, with air are resolved by this improved air filling bag valve and nozzle. In several respects the valves are superior in operation, wasting less air and filling time, and are less tiring for operators to use. For example, this nozzle simply slides laterally into place on the dunnage bag valve stem and locks itself there for hands off filling without manual pressure to press the nozzle axially against dunnage bag valve stems to open them, which is fatiguing with arms outstretched in the crowded spaces available. Damage is reduced that may result to dunnage bags when the filling nozzles are removed against the pressure of adjacent filled dunning bags and are withdrawn. These nozzles are simply pulled out laterally by the attached hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Gerald L. Peters
  • Patent number: 5836361
    Abstract: A system 10 fluidly connects a bulkhead B to a portable transport using a flexible fill line or liquid hose LH. The system includes a coupling 12 for separating the liquid hose LH from the bulkhead B during an inadvertent pull-away. An arm 24 is pivotally supported by the bulkhead B, and a support plate 36 is supported at the upper end of the arm 24. A release disk 50 is normally supported by the plate 36, and in turn supports a saddle 42 for supporting the liquid hose LH. Three circumferentially spaced pins 38 function as retaining members to support a release disk 50 on the plate 36. The components thus function to prevent the discharge end of the hose from dropping onto the ground. During a pull-away, at least one of the coil springs 64 associated with each release pin is compressed, thereby releasing the disk 50 and allowing both the saddle 42 and the liquid hose LH to become disconnected from the arm 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: PGI International, Inc.
    Inventor: Sandor Koncsek
  • Patent number: 5829491
    Abstract: A fuel overflow prevention system for substantially eliminating fuel spillage both due to over-filling during fueling and due to fuel expansion in fuel tanks. The device includes a fuel discharge preventor and a nozzle adapter that work together during re-fueling to allow displacement by fuel of gases within the fuel tank until such time that the fuel reaches a predetermined level in the tank. The predetermined level is chosen through the geometry of the fuel discharge preventor so as to provide sufficient space for thermal expansion of the fuel without subsequent fuel spillage. The fuel discharge preventor also contains a valve that closes upon attainment of the predetermined fuel level and, together with the nozzle adapter, causes a pressure build-up within the filling fuel tank so as to positively actuate the automatic turn-off features of the standard fuel pump nozzle utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Benric Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Willard M. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5826636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for charging a closed, pressurizable fluid system with an appropriate fluid, comprising a) connecting to the system a closed, unpressurized container containing a predetermined amount of the fluid, b) mechanically forcing the contents out of the container into the system being recharged, and c) disconnecting the container. Preferably, the container is a cylindrical cartridge having a piston sealably disposed therein to displace the cartridge contents. The method and apparatus are effective in recharging various pressurized systems and fluids, such as air conditioning and refrigeration coolant lines, dye injectors, oils, chemicals, glue and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Phil Trigiani
  • Patent number: 5775392
    Abstract: In the particular embodiments described in the specification, a motor vehicle tank has a filling tube with a vent orifice connected to a device for adsorbing fuel vapors and a sealing arrangement including two annular lips spaced on opposite sides of the vent orifice and arranged to sealingly engage a filling pump nozzle to seal off the orifice from the fuel tank and from the atmosphere during filling of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Volkswage AG
    Inventor: Burkhard Kraft
  • Patent number: 5765611
    Abstract: A lever operated connector connecting a gas filling system to individual gas cylinders. A housing is attached to a gas filling system manifold and individual gas cylinders are connected to the opening. A lever rotates a moveable piece which linearly move to tighten the air cylinder to the gas filling system. A pin fixed through the housing extending to an inclined plane on the moveable piece causes the moveable piece to move linearly when rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis L. Miller
  • Patent number: 5758701
    Abstract: A docking arrangement for the automatic fueling of automotive vehicles, primarily cars, where a robot is provided including a robot head that can be moved in relation to the robot and positioned in relation to an adapter (3), the adapter being arranged for fastening to the upper orifice of the fuel-tank pipe (2) of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Autofill Patent AB
    Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
  • Patent number: 5746259
    Abstract: This invention is directed toward apparatus and methods for servicing equipment such as air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, engines, transmissions, and tires More particularly, invention is directed toward a system for safely transferring precisely measured quantities of a variety of liquids and gases to the serviced item using essentially a single work station apparatus cooperating with multiple reservoirs of fluids. Furthermore, one or more types of fluids can be supplied, from remote reservoirs, to one or more mobile work stations. Fluids can also be withdrawn from the apparatus being serviced, and reprocessed for future use. Stated another way, the invention eliminates the need for dedicated service equipment to provide each applicable service. This invention is suitable for many market segments such as commercial, industrial, marine, utility, and the like. Government, military, public and private sectors of the economy will benefit from the use of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: John O. Noble, III
  • Patent number: 5743439
    Abstract: An outlet closure element in the embodiment is a metal or other material, e.g., plastic, plate which is circular in plan, formed in one piece and which has a substantially central frusto-conical upwardly directly (as considered in use) inset or profile. The periphery of the rim element has a plurality of projecting interengaging portions, in the embodiment four, equiangularly spaced, bayonet shaped locators or slots for releasable interengaging cooperation with members in the form of four bayonet kind of lugs located on the periphery of the outlet of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Matcon Limited
    Inventor: Ivan Semenenko
  • Patent number: 5740846
    Abstract: A hose adapter for use in connecting a preconditioned air hose to an aircraft having a ring connector with a plurality of slots formed therethrough by which a ground-based heating/air conditioning unit is connected to an internal ventilation system of the aircraft. The hose adapter includes a generally hollow housing and slot-engaging arms which connect the housing to a ring connector in a snap-fit manner. The housing includes a lower end having an inlet which is connectable to a preconditioned air hose, and an upper end having an outlet which is connectable to a ring connector of an aircraft. The slot-engaging arms are biased toward a locking position wherein the slot-engaging arms provide a quick connect to a ring connector and an unbiased position wherein the slot-engaging arms releasably disconnect from the ring connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: L. Robert Larson, D. Jonathon Carmody
  • Patent number: 5711355
    Abstract: A non-movable part portable liquid transfer container with dispensing nozzle includes a fillpipe sealing device and internal conduit positioned in such a manner as to enable free-flow of liquid and recovery of vapors displaced during the gravity transfer of liquids to other containers as well as automatic shutoff of liquid transfer when the receiving container is full to prevent overfill and spillage of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: John Francis Kowalczyk