With Receiver And Supply Securing Means Patents (Class 141/383)
  • Patent number: 5832973
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for charging a bioreactor with feed material through a sight port in the bioreactor vessel wall without compromising sterility of the material or the vessel or releasing organisms from the vessel to the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Norman Goldschmidt, Kenton Shultis, Gary V. Faigle, Connie Esenther
  • Patent number: 5832972
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a dilute liquid concentrate with a diluent to form a dilute use solution for dispensing into a bottle. The dispensing apparatus 10 includes an aspirator 60 and a controller 50. The controller 50 includes an activation switch that is operable by being depressed in a first direction. A slide actuator 80 is mounted relative to the controller for movement in a second direction. The dispensing apparatus 10 also includes a lock-out member 100 to prevent the inadvertent use of an incorrect bottle while dispensing the use solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, Daniel K. Boche, Bruce Henry, Eric R. Balz
  • 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: 5819824
    Abstract: A connector device is connected to a liquid crystal cell having an edge portion formed as a stepped portion. This connector device includes a connector unit. The connector unit includes a body, and an elastic seal member received in a receiving recess of the body. The seal member has a projection. This projection is formed as a stepped portion corresponding in configuration to the stepped portion of the edge portion of the cell. That is, the projection of the seal member includes a first abutment surface which intimately contacts a first receiving surface of the cell, a second abutment surface which intimately contacts a second receiving surface of the cell, and a third abutment surface which intimately contacts a third receiving surface of the cell. The first and second abutment surfaces are in parallel relation to each other, and the third abutment surface is orthogonal to the first and second abutment surfaces. An association recess is formed in the third abutment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Beldex Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Sugiura
  • Patent number: 5803140
    Abstract: An oil drain funnel for removable attachment to the bottom of an engine oil pan for receiving oil draining therefrom having a magnetic retention device on the rim of the opening for receiving fluids thereinto, and a crossmember supported by the sidewall of the funnel and spanning the entrance to the opening of the outlet of the funnel to prevent the passage of the oil pan drain plug therethrough while allowing the flow of oil through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: David Edward Jodoin
  • Patent number: 5791122
    Abstract: A system for charging a metallic canister having a filler opening therein with a gas under pressure and then sealing the opening to provide a closed, pressurized canister generally consisting of means for retaining the canister in a predetermined orientation, a sealing member having a guide passageway therein displaceable between an extended position in sealing engagement with a canister disposed in the predetermined orientation, with the guide passageway therein communicating with the filler opening of the canister, and a retracted position out of sealing engagement with the canister, a first means for applying a gas under pressure to a first side of the sealing member to urge the sealing member into into its retracted position, second means for supplying a gas under pressure to an opposite side of the sealing member to urge the sealing member into its extended position in sealing engagement with the canister, third means for supplying a gas under a third pressure to the guide passageway of the sealing membe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: RWC, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Tobin, Douglas M. Leonard
  • Patent number: 5775393
    Abstract: An injector for moving an insulating gas into the sealed air space of a multi-sheet insulating unit includes a tube e.g. inner tube mounted within an outer tube and spaced from the inner walls of the outer tube to provide an exhaust passage. The outer tube is mounted on the middle leg by a C-clamp. Insulating air is moved through the inner tube into the sealed air space to displace the gas therein which displaced gas moves through the exhaust passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Kovacik
  • Patent number: 5765610
    Abstract: An aircraft fueling nozzle includes a nozzle body supporting a valve seal and valve poppet movable between an open and closed position. The nozzle body supports a trio of extending index pins together with a trio of spring-biased movable lock pins extending toward the receptacle end of the nozzle body. A nozzle collar is rotatably supported by the nozzle body and defines a trio of inwardly extending inclined ribs which receive and engage a conventional fueling adapter upon a to-be-fueled aircraft. A lock pin alignment ring is secured upon the upper edge of the nozzle body and defines apertures through which the index pins and lock pins extend. The apertures receiving the lock pins are elongated defining straight parallel sides while the apertures receiving the index pins are circular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Albert W. Brown
  • Patent number: 5765604
    Abstract: A gasoline spill eliminator for attachment to the hull of a boat and over an overflow vent stack which extends therefrom. The gasoline spill eliminator includes a container for collecting and storing fuel emitted from the overflow vent stack. The container has a rear wall with an inlet opening therein. A flexible bracket with wings and a suction cup on each wing attaches the container to the boat. The bracket can also be rotated so that the position of the suction cups may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas G. Garvey, III
  • 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: 5765612
    Abstract: A quick-connect hookup that includes a connector and an adapter designed for quick and easy assembly and disassembly from a common oil drain valve. The adapter is formed with a standardized tabbed section and a customized threaded section. The threaded section of the adapter is made to fit within an outlet of the oil drain valve in substantially permanent manner. The tabbed section of the adapter includes tabs that are made to quickly attach to and detach from the connector via recesses in the connector. The invention includes a method of connecting and evacuating waste oil through the use of vacuum forces and the quick-connect hookup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Claude Morin
  • Patent number: 5765602
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently metering and transferring a cryogenic liquid, such as liquefied natural gas, from a storage vessel to, for example, a vehicle fuel tank. The apparatus incorporates a programmable controller, a motor-driven pump and a network of conduits with motor-operated valves and liquid sensors for effecting a priming of the pump with liquid free of vapor and a cool-down of the flow passages prior to a transfer operation for ensuring that a vapor-free liquid is delivered. A pair of flow meters, one for liquid and the other for returned vapor, allows a reliable determination of the amount of liquid delivered to--and remaining in--a receiving vessel. The apparatus employs a delivery nozzle with quick-disconnect valved fittings and a delivery nozzle incorporating features which allow it to be handled by an operator without the use of heavy gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Cryogenic Fuels Inc.
    Inventors: Harold E. Sutton, Roy E. Adkins
  • Patent number: 5743312
    Abstract: An apparatus for combining liquid or solid components stored in containers includes a cylindrical hollow body for receiving end closures of the containers and at least one cannula for penetrating the end closures. The cannula is mounted in a cannula holder movable in the hollow body, and retainer bridges connect the cannula holder to an inner wall surface of the hollow body. The retainer bridges fracture after the cannula penetrates the end closure in the first container so that the cannula moves toward the second container to penetrate the closure in the second container.Also disclosed is a system including the apparatus, two containers, and outer packaging enclosing the containers and the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Behringwerke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Pfeifer, Dietmar Weitzel, Wolfgang Kneip, Bernhard Vohwinkel, Axel von Brand
  • Patent number: 5735321
    Abstract: An isolator system 10 comprises an isolator 11 moveably mounted on a support 12 and an impervious bag 16 open at one end and sealingly attachable to the isolator 11. A drum 90 containing a substance to be dispensed may be sealingly attached to the isolator by moving the isolator to the drum. The lid 110 of the drum 90 may be removed from the drum once the lidded end of the drum is within the isolator 11. The isolator is able to rotate about the axis of its support which causes inversion of the isolator and the drum now contained within the isolator. Substances contained within the drum may be dispensed into a second container such as an IBC whilst contained within the enclosure thus protecting an operator from contamination from the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Extract Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryder Martyn, Neil Graham Cocker
  • Patent number: 5732842
    Abstract: Tank closure, especially for a motor vehicle, with a supporting part mounted on the tank in the peripheral area of a filling opening and receiving an actuating element which is rotatable around an axis that is approximately parallel to the central axis of filling opening. The actuating element is rotatable manually and/or by a filling arm of an automatic filling device into an open position that opens filling opening and in the opposite direction into a closed position that closes filling opening. A closing part guided approximately rectilinearly is located between supporting part and actuating element. The closing part is adjustable through an adjusting device by actuating element which opens filling opening when rotated to the open position, and which closes filling opening when rotated to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Guenter Krause, Georg Pollak
  • Patent number: 5718270
    Abstract: A device for coupling two containers comprising connecting branches having essentially circular cross section, with each of the connecting branches having a closing member at one end, which is essentially circular in cross section, for closing the end facing away from the container. When the two connecting branches are brought together, the two closing members are combined into a single member moved by a single actuator so that no clearance is required in each of the branches between the ends of the branch and the member. Each of the branches has annular edge seals, which, in an uncompressed condition, engage a circumferential edge of each of the closing members and are compressed when engaged with the edge seal of the adjacent branch member to release the respective closing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Buck Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gerhard Grau, Martin Koch, Gunter Untch
  • Patent number: 5715646
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for aseptically producing, harvesting and packaging a pharmaceutical product. A section of the apparatus includes an aseptic reactor and structure for introducing a reactant thereinto so that a reaction can be conducted for the purpose of producing a pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical product is subsequently introduced into a filter/dryer for the purpose of recovering the pharmaceutical product. Thereafter, the filtered/dried pharmaceutical product is delivered to a hammer mill for delumping or a micronizing mill for calibration and sizing the recovered product to produce a final powdered product. Thereafter, the final powdered product is introduced into a dosing device and aseptically introduced into a transportable bin. The small bins are encased inside of a sterile bag for transport and further aseptic handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Pharmacia & Upjohn Company
    Inventor: Daniel P. Smekens
  • Patent number: 5706869
    Abstract: Concentric conduits are supplied for the purpose of minimizing heat transfer from within the inner conduit through the outer conduit. The air gap or annulus around the inner conduit is filled with a resin mixture which is mixed with vermiculite and mineral fiber to form a slurry. The slurry is pumped into an open end of the annulus to fill the annulus and enhance the heat insulation characteristics of the concentric conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Acoust-A-Fiber Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry M. Wolf, Hiten T. Shah, Steven J. Crosbie, James D. Crosby
  • Patent number: 5702019
    Abstract: A resealable assembly for a container such as a bottle or vial featuring a membrane for selectively opening or sealing a fluid path between the bottle and a medical delivery device introduced into the assembly. The assembly includes a body disposed on said bottle, and a luer connector hub which may be separately provided with the body or formed integrally therewith. The luer connector hub features a connector end open for access by the medical delivery device, and an opposed end which is disposed for fluid communication with the open top of the bottle. A membrane, preferably formed from an elastomeric material, is secured across both the opposed end of the luer connector hub and the open top of the bottle, and may be retained between the top surface of the bottle and the body. The membrane preferably includes a central area sealing the opposed end of the luer connector hub from the open top of the bottle, with one or more fluid openings defined on a portion of the membrane outside of the central area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France S.A.
    Inventor: Jean Pierre Grimard
  • Patent number: 5690152
    Abstract: A device for coupling two containers comprises a pair of connecting sleeves, each having closing flaps that can be moved from a closed position to an open position by a part-turn actuator, with the outer surfaces of each closing flap facing away from the container lying flush with the outer surface of the relevant connecting sleeve in the closed position and the closing flaps are each seated in an essentially circular seal. To prevent the accidental opening of the closing flaps, each of the connecting sleeves is provided with a radially-movable pin in the wall adjacent the seal, which pin can be pushed radially inward to produce a bulge in the seal which will hold the respective closing flap in its closed position and which pin can be radially moved outward to release the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Buck Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Martin Koch, Gerhard Grau
  • Patent number: 5673737
    Abstract: A tap to a process fluid line includes a pressure sensitive cap. The force necessary to remove the cap on the tap is directly proportional to the pressure buildup inside the cap so that an operator can take safety measures before removing the cap. The tap includes a base having a first set of reusable threads thereon and a cap having a second set of reusable threads therein which engage with the first set of threads on the base. A hollow fill tube communicates fluid from the process fluid line through a ball valve to a sample bottle when the cap is removed. The resistance provided by the reusable threads is linear and consistent throughout the entire threading and unthreading procedure. In this manner the force necessary to remove the cap is proportional to the pressure buildup inside of the cap. A helical spring is attachable by an anchor to the fill tube and can be employed to steady the mouth of the sample bottle as it is filled by the fill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Elcehon, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry J. Behnke, III, A. Eric Jansen, Martin Bal
  • Patent number: 5671786
    Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic fuelling of vehicles. A robot head that carries a fuel filler tube is movable to enable it to be brought into position to engage with a vehicle fuel-tank pipe. The robot head carries an opening device for opening a fuel-tank cover plate of a vehicle. The positioning of the robot head is effected by a positioning system that includes a transceiver unit carried by the robot head and that preferably operates at microwave frequency. A passive transponder is carried by the vehicle and includes a simple code which the transponder is intended to modulate on a signal transmitted by the transceiver and is reflected by the transponder. The signal received by the transceiver from the transponder is decoded and is used to access a robot head movement plan that corresponds with that code, to automatically steer the robot head to the fuel tank pipe and thereby enable the vehicle to be fuelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
  • Patent number: 5651403
    Abstract: A closure for sacks, bags and like containers which have non-rigid walls and which are to be pressurized. The closure includes a filling nozzle having a tubular stub and a flange. The flange has a tubular cylindrical portion and a plate-shaped portion. The plate-shaped portion of the flange is attached to the container. The filling nozzle may be caused to sealingly engage the flange by use of a snap connection, whereby the closure is either completely open or closed. The snap connection either retains the filling nozzle in firm and tight engagement with the flange, or releases the filling nozzle in relation to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Bates Emballage A/S
    Inventor: Carsten Andersen
  • Patent number: 5647408
    Abstract: An adapter is disclosed for a can filling machine permitting the machine to be utilized to fill aerosol cans having a "female" type discharge valve. The adapter includes a fill head which is threadably attached to the paint reservoir of the can filling machine permitting the injecting piston of the can filling machine to be received within the working bore of the fill head. A valve engaging member is threadably attached to one end of the fill head and a spring therein biases a ball against a passageway in the bottom of the working bore. The other end of the valve engaging member has a "male" tip formed thereon which is received within the "female" type discharge valve in the aerosol can and depresses a valve body therein. Depression of the valve body within the "female" type discharge valve by the "male" tip of the valve engaging member permits paint within the working bore of the fill head to be injected into the aerosol can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Marijan F. Erste, Robert S. Beres
  • Patent number: 5641012
    Abstract: A value device for connecting a container filled with a flowable material to an applicator device for dispensing the flowable material comprises a unitary, essentially cup-shaped housing 1 having an axially extending flow passage 9 in the base thereof. A valve seat 50 is formed around the inner end of the flow passage 9, radially inwardly of the axially extending wall 8 of the housing 1. A unitary, essentially cylindrical valve member 2 is received in the open end of the cup-shaped housing 1. This has an axially extending flow passage 16 therein in axial alignment with the flow passage 9 in the up-shaped housing 2. A valve disc 14 is positioned over the inner end of the flow passage 16, but spaced therefrom. The valve member 2 is axially displaceable relative to the housing 1 upon rotational movement of the housing 1 so as to effect engagement of the valve disc 14 with the valve seat 50 to close the flow passage 9 in the housing 1 and disengagement to open the flow passage 9 in the housing 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Horstine Farmery Limited
    Inventor: John Silversides
  • Patent number: 5638876
    Abstract: A liquid crystal introduction connector includes a connector body. The connector body has a guide groove formed in its front surface and a receiving space formed backwardly of the guide groove. A resilient seal member is received in the receiving space. A nozzle member is allowed to extend through the seal member such that the nozzle member can move forwardly and backwardly. The nozzle member is biased forwardly by a spring. When a side edge of a cell having an introduction port is inserted through the guide groove, the seal member is resiliently deformed to receive the side edge. Under the effect of the spring, the nozzle member is brought into abutment with the side edge of the cell. The liquid crystal passes through a liquid crystal supply passageway and reaches the introduction port of the cell via nozzle ports of the nozzle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Beldex Corporation
    Inventors: Gyo Shimotoyodome, Isao Sugiura
  • Patent number: 5626174
    Abstract: A radiator funnel and adapter to prevent spillage comprises a funnel having a fluid receiving body and a spout through which fluid is dispensed; an adapter having a tubular member, a sealing flange, a flexible seal member, and a cap abutment member; a cap having a hole for receiving the top end of the tubular member and the spout which is engageably and sealingly inserted in the tubular member; and a stopper means having a stem, a plug portion at one end of the stem, and a handle at the other end to plug the bore through the spout. The adapter fits in the fill opening of the radiator and the cap fastens over the fill opening of the radiator and urges the flexible seal member and the sealing flange against the recessed ledge in the fill opening to substantially provide a seal between the adapter and the fill opening so that as fluid is poured into the radiator, the fluid won't spill out of radiator as it commonly bubbles up through the fill opening of the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: John Schaffner
  • Patent number: 5607004
    Abstract: A self-supporting funnel assembly and drip catcher for selective use in applications in which a user desires to free both the user's hands from holding the funnel in position and desires to prevent spillage of the funnelled fluid during and after use. The funnel is made up of a wider conical portion, the mouth of the funnel, and a narrower portion, the spout of the funnel; a base housing defining several openings; generally L-shaped clamping members, each having a vertical component projecting below the base housing and a horizontal component; and a springing mechanism, operably connected to each clamping member and the base housing. The funnel components so that a horizontal component of the clamping members appear through the side of the base housing as push-buttons, which may be simultaneously compressed with the thumb and forefinger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Eddie W. Cope
  • Patent number: 5592980
    Abstract: A container for supplying toner includes a containing portion with an opening through which toner is moved into a receiving sump. A cover for the opening is flexible enough to move in an arcuate path from a position coveting the opening to a position of storage alongside a sidewall of the containing portion. The cover is stiff enough to be pushed back to its covering position. The leading edge of the cover in its movement back to its coveting position is made concave to the direction of movement so that it will more easily enter a channel partially defined by a seal around the opening. A protrusion on the cover enters a hole in a cover holding member when the cover is in its coveting position to lock the cover in place when the container is not on a receiving apparatus. The protrusion can be pushed out of the hole, unlocking the cover by an appropriate receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Philip A. Stern, Terry R. Elich, Thomas S. Wicks
  • Patent number: 5586590
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system for aspirating liquid from a bottle and conveying the liquid to an analytical instrument while allowing ambient air or gas to enter the bottle to replace the aspirated liquid. The bottle opening is sealed by a valve. A tube extends from the valve to the liquid within the bottle. A coupling component is removably connected to the analytical instrument anti to the valve for operatively connecting the instrument to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Ciba Corning Diagnostics Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Venooker, John A. Scavitto, Peter N. Karkantis, David T. Healey, Richard L. Travers
  • Patent number: 5582223
    Abstract: In order to provide a simple and reliably operating filling apparatus, particularly for pin-index gas bottle valves there is proposed a housing, a through opening formed in the housing for displaceable reception of a corresponding gas bottle valve, a filling union section fixed to the housing and opening into the through opening by way of a sealing neck, and a displacement member by means of which the sealing neck can be connected to a gas bottle valve located in the through opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Weh GmbH, Verbindungstechnik
    Inventors: Wolfgang Weh, Erwin Weh
  • Patent number: 5579814
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging a damper with pressurized gas by forming a flow passage between the dust lip of the oil seal and the piston rod. The flow passage is formed by locally deforming the dust lip under the action of a distortion clamp. A source of pressurized gas is then placed in communication with the flow passage. The pressurized gas causes the oil seal to be displaced away from the piston rod, and the gas enters the damper between the oil seal and the piston rod. When the gas within the damper has attained the desired pressure, the distortion clamp is released allowing the dust lip to return to normal circumferential contact with the piston rod, and the source of pressurized gas is removed. The pressurized gas is retained in the damper after charging by the seal engaging the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment Company
    Inventors: Gareth M. Jones, Jeffrey A. Jenkins, Michael J. Shnier
  • Patent number: 5575317
    Abstract: A tap to a process fluid line includes a pressure sensitive cap. The force necessary to remove the cap on the tap is directly proportional to the pressure buildup inside the cap so that an operator can take safety measures before removing the cap. The tap includes a base having a first set of reusable threads thereon and a cap having a second set of reusable threads therein which engage with the first set of threads on the base. A hollow fill tube communicates fluid from the process fluid line through a ball valve to a sample bottle when the cap is removed. The resistance provided by the reusable threads is linear and consistent throughout the entire threading and unthreading procedure. In this manner the force necessary to remove the cap is proportional to the pressure buildup inside of the cap. A helical spring is attachable by an anchor to the fill tube and can be employed to steady the mouth of the sample bottle as it is filled by the fill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventors: Henry J. Behnke, III, A. Eric Jansen, Martin Bal
  • Patent number: 5566729
    Abstract: A drug reconstitution and administration system includes a container for a concentrated drug or other medicament, a syringe assembly which can be pre-filled with a liquid diluent, and a mixing adapter assembly which facilitates mixing of the medicament with the liquid diluent. The adapter assembly includes inner and outer concentrically arranged, relatively movable sleeves, which together define an expandable mixing chamber within the adapter assembly. The container and pre-filled syringe are respectively fitted to the adapter assembly, with the contents of the container and the contents of the syringe transferred into the internal mixing chamber. A diluted drug mixture is formed in the mixing chamber, and the mixture is transferred into the syringe assembly for subsequent patient administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Richard W. Grabenkort, John C. Tanner, II, Sheldon M. Wecker
  • Patent number: 5560407
    Abstract: A generally cylindrical body supports an outlet tube on which is mounted a resilient annular sealing member adapted to be inserted into the tubular inlet fitting of a liquid coolant system. The body also supports a set of arcuate collar sections which surround the sealing member and are cammed inwardly for gripping external threads on the inlet fitting in response to axial movement of a first air actuated annular piston surrounding the outlet tube. The sealing member is expanded radially outwardly into sealing engagement with the inlet fitting in response to axial movement of a second air actuated annular piston confined between the outlet tube and the first piston. A tubular valve member is supported for axial movement within the body in alignment with the outlet tube and moves in response to a third air actuated annular piston for selectively connecting the passage within the outlet tube to a suction passage for evacuating the coolant system and then to a liquid supply passage for filling the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Production Control Units, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Swinford
  • Patent number: 5558140
    Abstract: A fluid container draining device for draining fluid from a fluid container, an oil filter, in a controlled manner. The fluid container draining device has a threaded screw with a sharpened tip and a channel communicating between an opening at a forward end of the screw and a rear region of the threaded screw. When the screw is turned it will penetrate the wall of the fluid container and enter the fluid containing cavity of the fluid container. The threaded screw has a radially extending abutment surface to provide fluid tight sealing between the screw and the fluid container's walls to prevent fluid leakage. A fluid valve is positioned at the rear region of the screw to provide fluid flow control between the interior of the fluid container and outside the fluid container. The fluid valve is provided with a fitting for connection to a suction line to thereby permit fluid to be evacuated from the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Clark Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Clark, II
  • Patent number: 5540266
    Abstract: A device for coupling two containers comprises connecting branches having essentially circular cross section with each of the connecting branches having a closing member at one end which is essentially circular in cross section for closing the end facing away from the container. When the two connecting branches are brought together, the two closing members are combined into a single member moved by a single actuator so that no clearance is required in each of the branches between the end of the branch and the member. Thus, problems with dirt and atmospheric impurities in a space between the closing member and the end of the connecting member are greatly reduced to prevent contamination of the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Buck Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gerhard Grau, Martin Koch
  • Patent number: 5526853
    Abstract: A binary connector intercouples a plugged drug vial and a plugged, flexible-walled diluent container so that the diluent can pass to the vial from the container only after the latter has been pressurized by squeezing. Sharp-tipped, hollow spikes with intercommunicating axial bores extend in diametrically opposite directions from a disk-shaped base, with jaws having circularly arrayed flexible arms extending in diametrically opposite directions from the base, coaxially around respective ones of the spikes. A compressible rubber plug is wedged in one of the bores. A vial is engaged to a container for liquid communication by snapping the connectors' jaws around their respective inlets, causing the connectors' hollow spikes to pierce their respective plugs. However, not until the container is squeezed is the plug expelled from the blocked bore and communication established between vial and container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: McGaw, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. McPhee, C. Kenneth Lovejoy, Giuseppe Sacca
  • Patent number: 5495877
    Abstract: A device for refilling a print cartridge (100) of an ink jet printer comprising a receptacle (4) with a sealing element (7), in which the print cartridge (100) can be seated with close tolerance. The sealing element (7) is positioned against the ink nozzle (103) provided on the underside of the housing (101) and is brought into tight sealing engagement by means of a locking element (5) which engages with an edge of the casing of the print cartridge (100). In addition, a hollow needle carrier (18) with a hollow needle (17) is provided, which can be seated upon the print cartridge (100) or as the case may be, the receptacle (4). The hollow needle (17) penetrates through a bore hole (106) of the print cartridge (100) into the ink supply chamber on the inside of the print cartridge (100). A refill cartridge (200) can be stuck onto the hollow needle (17). With the help of this device, print cartridges can simply and safely be refilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: PMS GmbH Production + Recycling von Bueromaschinenzubehoer
    Inventors: Peter Schwenk, Christoph Henzler
  • Patent number: 5490546
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices for transferring, without the risk of contamination, products flowing out under gravity from an upper receptacle (1) or pipe (43) towards a lower receptacle (1) or pipe (16).The device [according to the invention] includes a hermetic enclosure (19, 45) covering the orifice (18, 44) of one of the receptacles or pipes (16, 43), it being possible for the mouth of the orifice (5, 11) of the other receptacle (1) or pipe to be inserted therein, this other receptacle (1) or pipe [includes closing-off means]including a flange (10, 14) capable of closing the enclosure (19, 45) when the mouth of the other receptacle is inserted therein so that a flow of inert gas can be driven through the inside volume of the hermetic enclosure (19, 14) preventing cross-contamination between the content of the receptacle (1) or pipe (43) and the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Elveco msj S.A.
    Inventor: Willy Lhoest
  • Patent number: 5485872
    Abstract: The closure of the bottle is achieved with the aid of a cylindrical ring (20), the base of which is closed by a membrane (22). This ring (20) is put in place together with a filling adaptor which is screwed onto the neck of the bottle and which allows the ring (20) to be tightened after filling. A drawing-off adaptor is also designed to be screwed onto the neck of the bottle and includes a bevelled drawing-off tube intended to pierce the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
    Inventor: Leon Kerger
  • Patent number: 5472026
    Abstract: A system for loading toner into a large capacity printer and copier machines includes a base adapter with a swiveling filler snout for receiving and latching onto a spout of a large toner container. The axis of filler snout is oriented at angle .PHI. with respect to its swivel axis which in turn is tilted at angle .PHI. with respect to the vertical. Accordingly, the filler swivels between a retracted stow position where the filler snout extends vertically over the base adapter and an extended position where the snout tilts at angle 2.PHI. from the vertical for receiving and latching onto the spout of the toner container. The spout of the toner container and the mouth of the filler snout have mating surfaces facilitating latching of the container spout within the snout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: T.B.S. Printware Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Herbst, Peter B. Simons
  • Patent number: 5472022
    Abstract: An injection pen apparatus (30) for medicament injection including a medicament cartridge assembly (31) formed to receive and contain a medicament therein. A holding sleeve (34) is provided which is dimensioned to receive the medicament cartridge assembly (31) therein which mates with a solution transfer device (35) including an axially movable displacement rod (36). The injection pen apparatus (30) further includes a coupling mechanism (37) removably coupling the solution transfer device (35) to both a plunger (32) slidably movable in the cartridge (33) and to the holding sleeve (34). A sleeve mounting assembly (40) of the coupling mechanism (37) removably mounts the coupling mechanism to the holding sleeve (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Michel, Robert S. Freeman, James Q. Oeswein
  • Patent number: 5472025
    Abstract: An adaptor for stabilizing a funnel in the opening of a container consists of a body of metal or plastic which contains a central bore internally threaded at each end for accepting the threaded stem of a funnel. The body is externally threaded on one end to engage internally threaded container openings and at the other end contains an internally threaded cavity to engage externally threaded container openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventors: Randy Conrad, Karin M. Conrad
  • Patent number: 5469897
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for filling grease guns. The apparatus comprises a top member sealingly and slidable engageable with the interior of a grease container having a generally uniform or non-uniform cross-section. The top member including a socket for sealingly and removably receiving a grease gun body, whereby drawing of grease into the grease gun by rearward movement of a piston in the grease gun body provides suction which causes the top member to inwardly in the grease container and the grease top be forced into the grease gun body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventors: Oren Haytner, Avi Haytner
  • Patent number: 5433163
    Abstract: An adaptor for use with dockside pumps to facilitate pump out of sewage holding tanks is constructed so that it readily accommodates both of the two most common fittings for dockside pumps, an elastomeric material right circular cone frustrum, and a cam actuated fitting having a number of curved locking surface locking cams. The adaptor is a tubular body of rigid material having first and second ends with a concentric bore. An interior surface of the first end defines a cone frustrum cooperable with the dockside pump cone frustrum fitting, and the exterior surface of the first end is a cylindrical surface with a semi-toroidal recess at a central axial portion, which recess cooperates with the curved surfaces of the locking cams. The second end of the adaptor has external threads that fit one of three common sizes of boat deck fitting internal threads (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Sealand Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward F. McKiernan
  • Patent number: 5432592
    Abstract: Disclosed are a developer cartridge designed to ensure exchange of developers and toner supplement, and an image forming apparatus using this cartridge. This developer cartridge includes a cylindrical body whose rotational axis extends in a direction perpendicular to the developer carrying direction of the developing unit, a first developer storage room, provided at one portion of the cylindrical body, for storing an unused developer, a second developer storage room, provided at the other portion of the cylindrical body, for storing a supplemental toner, openings respectively formed in the first and second developer storage rooms of the cylindrical body, and a case with a cylinder shape for rotatably retaining the cylindrical body, the case having a pair of injection ports respectively provided in association with the opening of the first developer storage room and the opening of the second developer storage room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Mamoru Watanabe, Michihiro Fujii, Masato Kawashima, Hideyuki Nanba
  • Patent number: 5429209
    Abstract: A grease fitting adapter for lubricating a gearbox having a grease fitting aperture in a gas operated lawn trimmer is provided, which consists of a grease source. A structure is for conveying grease from the grease source through the grease fitting aperture in the gearbox, after a grease fitting is removed from the grease fitting aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Randal R. Shimabuku
  • Patent number: 5421383
    Abstract: A light weight apparatus for introducing a gas or liquid from a supply source into an open-topped liquid treatment tank includes an elongated support rail mounted in the tank, and a fluid delivery pipe assembly having at least one nozzle at the bottom end thereof, and a union at the top end thereof for connecting the pipe assembly with the fluid supply source. The pipe assembly is supported on the rail by spacers when the assembly is in a lowered position in which the at least one nozzle is disposed within the tank and the top end of the pipe assembly is aligned with the union. The spacers allow the pipe assembly to be axially translated along the rail, when the pipe assembly is disconnected from the supply source, between the lowered position and a raised position in which the at least one nozzle is removed from the tank for cleaning or repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Schmid
  • Patent number: 5402216
    Abstract: A mechanism for opening/closing a toner falling aperture is adapted to open/close a toner falling aperture formed in the bottom of a toner cartridge main body in which toner is housed. Disposed inside of the toner cartridge main body is a screw conveyor for conveying the toner to the toner falling aperture. While the toner cartridge is not under use, an elastic sealing member attached to the top surface of the bottom of the toner cartridge main body, closes the toner falling aperture. One end of the sealing member is secured to the screw conveyor. When the toner cartridge is set to a predetermined portion of the main body of an image forming apparatus and the screw conveyor is driven, the screw conveyor takes up the sealing member while winding the same thereon, thus opening the toner falling aperture. The sealing member to which toner is sticked, is taken up by the screw conveyor and held inside of the toner cartridge main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Komaki, Shuji Fujisawa