Gas Control Or Supply Varied, Shifted Or Supplemented During Cycle Patents (Class 141/47)
  • Patent number: 11124403
    Abstract: A guide member including: an upper main body that is positioned so as to enclose the filling valve and so as to be movable in a vertical direction relative to the filling port; and a lower main body that is positioned so as to enclose the upper main body and is configured to be slidable on the surface of the upper main body. The lower main body is provided with an abutting portion that protrudes inward relative to the inner surface of the lower main body and that is configured to abut against at least an opening portion of the container mounted on the container supporting unit, and the guide member is configured to allow the container to be lifted while keeping the abutting portion abutted against the opening portion, thereby guiding the opening portion to an appropriate position relative to the filling port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jun Fujikake, Kristofer Kelley
  • Patent number: 8899278
    Abstract: A method for dispensing compressed gas from two or more compressed gas storage volumes to receiving vessel such as vehicle fuel tanks. Control instructions are provided to cycle the compressed gas storage volumes through pressure cycles in a rolling rotating cascading manner such that each of the compressed gas storage volumes cycle from an upper pressure limit to a lower pressure limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, David John Farese, Ravi Subramanian
  • Patent number: 8887771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for supplying a consumer with gaseous fuel. Said system comprises at least one compressed gas container, which is fluidically connected to the consumer via a collecting line and valves. To extensively utilise the capacity of the compressed gas container, a reserve container (3) is connected to the collecting line (12) via a first valve (9) and the system is equipped with an ejector pump (14), which is operated by gas from the reserve container (3) and delivers gas from the compressed gas container(s) (1, 2, . . . ) into the collecting line (12). To achieve this, with respect to the flow, the ejector pump (14) is situated between the compressed gas container(s) (1,2, . . . ) and the consumer (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Pucher
  • Patent number: 8875213
    Abstract: A television or computer detects the presence of the other, and takes an action based on that detecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Technology LLC
    Inventor: Scott C. Harris
  • Patent number: 8776839
    Abstract: A filling element for filling containers includes a housing having a liquid channel, a connection for feeding liquid into the channel, a discharge port for discharging liquid into a container provided in a sealed position on the filling element, a valve in the channel between the connection and the port, an actuator for opening and closing the channel, a gas path for pre-stressing the container's interior with gas and returning displaced gas, a switching valve in the gas path, the valve being switchable by the actuator between a first state for use while pre-stressing and a second switched state for use with displaced gas, wherein in the first state, the gas path has a first effective flow cross section, and in the second state, the gas path has a second effective flow cross section, the second effective flow cross section being different from the first effective flow cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clusserath, Manfred Hartel
  • Publication number: 20140174597
    Abstract: A filling machine for filling a container with a liquid having a gas line, a liquid supply line connectable to a liquid tank and at least one filling device. The filling device having an inlet communicating with the liquid supply line, a lower outlet and a gas port communicating with the gas line. A differential pressure sensor is connected to the gas line and the liquid supply line to determine a feedback value defined by the pressure difference between the lines. The gas line communicates with a gas tank that is separated from the liquid supply line and connected to a pressurized gas source. The gas tank is also connected to a discharge opening via valves controlled by an electronic control unit that brings the pressure difference between the liquid supply line and the gas line to a set-point corresponding to the feedback value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: SIDEL S.p.A. con Socio Unico
    Inventors: Stefano D'Errico, Enrico Cocchi
  • Patent number: 8714207
    Abstract: A vertical round container (1) for storing liquids comprises a floating cover (6) covering the surface of the liquid. The cover is sealed in relation to the container wall by means of flexible sealing elements (18, 19) and includes, on the lower side thereof, at least one compartment (62) which is open towards the liquid and contains gaseous media/vapors. Devices (40a) are provided for determining the submersion depth of the cover, and supply/discharge lines (29) are provided for modifying the quantity of the gaseous medium in the at least one compartment. The supply/discharge lines for the gaseous medium are connected to a central unit (28) provided outside the container region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Heinrich Imhof
  • Patent number: 8714209
    Abstract: Filling element for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid filler, comprising a liquid channel which is formed in a filling-element housing and which has a connection for delivery of the liquid filler into the liquid channel and has a discharge opening for discharging the liquid filler into a container that is to be filled, and comprising at least one liquid valve, which is arranged in the liquid channel and controls the discharging of the liquid filler, said liquid valve having a valve body provided on a gas tube that can be moved in a controlled manner in a filling-element axis in order to open and close the liquid valve and that acts as valve plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Härtel
  • Patent number: 8678048
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of food industry, more particularly, to commercial equipment, and is useful in apparatuses for dispensing beer and other foaming and/or carbonated beverages from an isobaric storage to plastic bottles or glasses for sale in retail kiosks, shops, restaurants, and bars. The technical result of the present invention is a simplified maintenance both of the apparatus for a manual dispensing of beverages as a whole due to excluding the need for a sanitary treatment of a part of the filling pipe each time a container is filled and a simplified maintenance of taps due to eliminating the need for frequent washing of units and parts of these means after the dispensing of beer or another beverage is over. The technical result is reached by two embodiments of the three-way cock (6364), which are installed in the apparatus for a manual dispensing of foaming and/or carbonated beverages to uncovered containers (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Sergei Aleksandrovich Buchik
  • Patent number: 8617296
    Abstract: A filling pistol for the filling under pressure of an object essentially with nitrogen. The filling pistol has a housing with an inlet opening connectable to an air source, such as an air compressor, to supply air to the pistol. A separation device is incorporated downstream of and connected to the inlet opening to obtain essentially nitrogen-rich gas. An outlet opening is connected to the separation device and is connectable to the object to supply nitrogen-rich air from the filling pistol to the object. The separation device is provided between the air inlet and the nitrogen outlet of an exchangeable separation cartridge. An operating element sets the filling pistol to an operating condition to fill the object with nitrogen-rich air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Mfg. Etten-Leur NL
    Inventors: Barry Dallinga, Johannes Henricus Antonius Marie Kamp
  • Patent number: 8453682
    Abstract: A method for dispensing a compressed gas for reducing the amount of residual gas in dispensing station storage vessels before refilling is required. The method comprises transferring compressed gas into receiving vessels in a first series of fill-ups where each of the receiving vessels receive compressed gas from a first mobile storage device and subsequently from a second mobile storage device, transporting the first mobile storage device to a refilling station after the first mobile storage device has been depleted to a selected depletion level, refilling the first mobile storage device at the refilling station, and transferring compressed gas into receiving vessels in a second series of fill-ups where each of the receiving vessels receive compressed gas from the second mobile storage device and one or more of the first mobile storage device after refilling and a third mobile storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Bernard Bonner, Joseph Perry Cohen, David John Farese, Edward Clyde Heydorn, Ravi Subramanian
  • Patent number: 8424574
    Abstract: A compressed gas transfer system comprising at least one first pressure vessel able to hold a volume of gas; and a first gas line to allow gas to pass out of the at least one first pressure vessel wherein the volume of the first pressure vessel is able to be varied to maintain the gas within the pressure vessel at a constant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Mosaic Technology Development Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Whiteman
  • Patent number: 8360112
    Abstract: The inventive method for filling a pressure gas container from a gas source pressure with a high pressure for a predetermined filling time selected or calculated prior to filling and at a determined temperature consists in forming a connection in the form of a fluid passage between the source and container, in carrying out a plurality of the passage opening-closing sequences during predetermined sub-intervals of the predetermined filling time, wherein the curve of a current pressure in the container follows, according to a time, a theoretical straight line linking the pressure measured prior to filling and after thereof during the filling time, the predetermined filling time is subdivided into a number of the time sub-intervals ranging from two to several hundreds and having respective determined duration, preferably ranging from 5 and 20 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Laurent Allidieres, Jaya-Sitra Pregassame, Thomas Charbonneau
  • Publication number: 20130000778
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a device for conducting liquid is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the device has a first conduit with a first end that defines a first opening, a second end that is opposite to the first end and that defines a second opening, and a body portion that is defined between the first end and the second end and that defines a channel inside the body portion along the longitudinal axis. The body portion has an inner surface and an opposite, outer surface. The device is operative to direct a fluid received in the first opening to the second opening. The device also has a second conduit that is arranged external to the inner surface and the bore of the first conduit, and proximate to the outer surface. The second conduit has a first end that defines an opening, a second end that is opposite to the first end that defines a second opening, and a body portion that is defined between the first end and the second end. A bore is defined inside the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Loren Paul Wright
  • Patent number: 8196617
    Abstract: A vapor recovery system for recovering fuel vapor from a vehicle tank during dispensing of fuel into the vehicle tank. The vapor recovery system comprises a vapor recovery line for transporting fuel vapor, and detecting device for detecting a fuel vapor flow. The detecting device comprises a housing having a vapor inlet and a vapor outlet, a body movably arranged in the housing, and a sensor arranged to detect a location of the body within the housing. The body is configured to move from a first position in the housing to a second position in the housing in dependence of a rate of fuel vapor flow flowing from the vapor inlet to the vapor outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Mattias Martensson, Bengt I. Larsson
  • Patent number: 8028725
    Abstract: A filling valve apparatus for filling a container with a fluid. The apparatus includes a body portion and a stem. A sleeve is disposed over the stem and is removable from the stem and the body portion when the filling valve apparatus is serviced. A seal is mounted to the bottom of the sleeve. At least one component is movably connected to the sleeve and remains connected to the sleeve when the sleeve is removed from the stem and the body portion during the servicing of the filling valve apparatus. Similarly, a valve assembly, having a housing and a movable plunger is removable from the body portion. At least one member is mechanically connected to one of the housing and plunger for creating a unitary valve assembly that remains intact when the valve assembly is removed from the body portion during servicing of the filling valve apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Adcor Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Demetrios Stavrakis, Edwin K. Ruble, Michael J. Brown
  • Patent number: 8002873
    Abstract: A method of increasing the nitrogen concentration within a tire of a vehicle includes transporting a mobile nitrogen concentrating apparatus to a position adjacent the vehicle and concentrating a nitrogen content of a compressed first gas to obtain a second gas. The method also includes coupling the nitrogen concentrating apparatus in fluid communication with the tire and programming an inflator to purge the tire to a predetermined pressure and then pressurizing the container to a predetermined pressure. The method also includes purging the container of a portion of the existing gas and introducing a portion of the second gas into the tire to create a first gas mixture. The method additionally includes purging the container of a portion of the first gas mixture, and introducing a portion of the second gas into the tire to create a second gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Wrosch, Anthony F. Grzelakowski
  • Publication number: 20110162753
    Abstract: A method of operating a vapor recovery system that recovers vapors expelled from a vehicle during refueling at a fuel dispensing point and returns the vapors to an underground storage tank through a vapor flow path that is in fluid communication with an air to liquid regulator valve and a vapor pump. The method includes dispensing fuel into the vehicle through the fuel dispensing point, regulating an amount of vapor that is recovered through the fuel dispensing point with the air to liquid regulator valve in proportion to the fuel dispensed into the vehicle, detecting a parameter of the vapor recovery system, and maintaining a substantially constant pressure level in a first portion of the vapor return path that is disposed between the vapor pump and the air to liquid regulator valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicants: VEEDER-ROOT COMPANY, SWASHPUMP TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: David Bolt, Dale Spence, Dale Ewing, David Jonathan Hassell, John Layne, Lindsay Bruce Dalziel
  • Publication number: 20100000625
    Abstract: A purge apparatus is provided which can purge with clean gas even in the case where an in-use state is made after a long period of a non-use state. The purge apparatus includes a nozzle which is connected to a container and through which gas passes, a detection unit which detects a connection state between the container and the nozzle, and a flow rate adjustment unit which allows the gas to flow at a first flow rate when the container and the nozzle is in a connected state is detected, and allows the gas to flow at a second flow rate which is lower than the first flow rate, when the container and the nozzle are in a disconnected state is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Fumiki Goto, Naruto Adachi
  • Patent number: 7523769
    Abstract: In order to easily and surely remove contaminants or the like from wafers stored in a pod (FOUP), a gas supply pipe is located above an opening portion in a FIMS system. A clean gas is blown to the upper surfaces of the wafers stored in the inner portion of the pod through the gas supply pipe to remove the contaminants or the like from wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiko Miyajima, Hitoshi Suzuki, Hiroshi Igarashi
  • Patent number: 7390346
    Abstract: Provided is a novel system and apparatus for producing primary standard gas mixtures. The system includes providing a gas permeation device having a constant diffusion rate into a temperature controlled enclosure; connecting a supply source of a component to the permeation device; routing the component from the gas permeation device to a product container until a desired amount of said component in the product container is reached; and supplying a balance of purified gas to the product container to obtain a known concentration of component in the primary standard gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Leonard Malczewski, Douglas Charles Heiderman
  • Patent number: 7198072
    Abstract: A purgeable manifold system for the movement of low vapor pressure chemicals that may be embodied in a variety of forms. In one embodiment, a container for storing the low vapor pressure chemical has a plurality of ports; a first manifold detachably connects a first port to a source of gas, vent, or vacuum by flow communication through a first diaphragm valve; a second manifold detachably connects a second port to a source of gas, vent, vacuum, or low vapor pressure chemical, or to a process tool by flow communication through a second and a third diaphragm valve, or alternatively detachably connects a third port to the same source by flow communication through a fourth and the third diaphragm valve; and a third manifold, detachably connects a fourth port to a source of gas, vent, or vacuum by flow communication through a fifth diaphragm valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: David James Silva
  • Patent number: 7178565
    Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Paul Eichelberger, David John Farese, Joseph Perry Cohen, Richard Layton Colwell
  • Patent number: 7114531
    Abstract: A system for purging high purity interfaces connecting a high purity chemical container to process lines comprises a first purging manifold, connected at one end to a first adapter manifold extending from the high purity chemical container, and connected at the other end either to a process tool, to a second high purity container, to a source of gas, or to a source of vacuum on one side, or to a source of vent or to a source of vacuum on the other side; and a second purging manifold connecting the second adapter manifold either to a source of push gas, a source of purge gas, or a source of vacuum; or to a source of vent. A related method comprises blowing purge gas through both the first and the second purging manifolds, and, optionally, applying vacuum to both purging manifolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: David James Silva
  • Patent number: 7104288
    Abstract: A pressurized container includes a vessel defining a chamber therein. A housing that is connected to the vessel defines an outlet that is fluidly separated from the chamber by a closure member. A moveable member may be seated within and form a seal with the housing and abut the closure member. Activation of an initiator propels the moveable member through the closure member, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet. Also, the chamber might include a first portion and a second portion, wherein an isolator member substantially fluidly separates the first portion and the second portion. Gas released from the first portion initially inflates an air bag associated with the pressurized container and gas released from the second portion maintains the inflation of the air bag for a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fink
  • Patent number: 6966348
    Abstract: A container having two ports; first block valve having two diaphragm valves, each valve having a valve seat side and a diaphragm side, each valve seat side faces the other valve seat side, and connected to the first end of a dispense conduit, one diaphragm side connected to a first port, and another diaphragm side connected to vent and or vacuum; a second valve connected to a push gas conduit and a second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Andrew Steidl, Gildardo Vivanco, Charles Michael Birtcher
  • Patent number: 6792981
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a compressed gas into a pressure vessel, for instance, hydrogen into a vehicle fuel tank, in which hydrogen is compressed in an initial and final compressions stages which can be powered by a common source. The initial compression stage can continually operate to compress the gas in a lower pressure storage bank during the time that hydrogen is dispensed to a vehicle fuel tank. In time periods between dispensing, the gas from the lower pressure stage and from the lower pressure storage bank is compressed in the final compression stage and stored in a higher pressure storage bank. When the pressure vessel is to be filled, the compressor compresses the gas from the higher pressure storage bank to fill the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Manning, James Smolarek, Robert B. Bollinger, Ahmed Abdelwahab
  • Patent number: 6722399
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring compressed gas from a supply point to a delivery point including an ejector, high and low pressure headers, and a plurality of containers that hold compressed gas and are selectively connected to the high and low pressure headers. The ejector uses energy created from the high pressure compressed gas to draw residual pressure gas out of the containers. The system and method also both preferably include a control system for controlling compressed gas flow through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: TransCanada Pipelines Services, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gregory Michael Cano
  • Patent number: 6722396
    Abstract: A method in which large-volume gas containers, for example, airships having a gas holding capacity of, for example, 400,000 m3, can be filled with a process gas, includes first completely filling the container with an auxiliary gas, the density of which differs from that of the process gas. The process gas is then quiescently introduced into an upper area of the gas container in such a way that no significant mixing with the air occurs and, at the same time, the auxiliary gas is removed by suction from the lower area of the gas container. To purify the contents of the gas container, purified or fresh process gas is quiescently introduced into the upper area of the gas container in such a way that no significant mixing with the contaminated process gas present in the gas container. At the same time, the contaminated process gas is removed by suction from the lower area of the gas container. To empty the gas container, the above-described process is reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Diethard Sillat, Thomas Sauer
  • Patent number: 6722406
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for cleanly cutting off filling of a container with toner without post-cutoff dribbling. The apparatus for the method includes (a) a conduit member having a discharging end; (b) a conveyor device for moving the toner from the hopper towards the container; and (c) a nozzle device including a positive and negative air pressure applying device, and a nozzle member for directing the toner to the container. The nozzle member has a first end connected to the discharge end of the conduit member and a second and opposite end for dispensing moving toner into the container. The nozzle member includes a post-cutoff controllable vibrator assembly connected to a controller for selectively enabling clean cutoff of powder flowing into the container without post-cutoff dribbling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Wegman, Mikhail Vaynshteyn
  • Patent number: 6719016
    Abstract: A pressurized container includes a vessel defining a chamber therein. A housing that is connected to the vessel defines an outlet that is fluidly separated from the chamber by a closure member. A moveable member may be seated within and form a seal with the housing and abut the closure member. Activation of an initiator propels the moveable member through the closure member, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet. The pressurized container might include an obstruction partially blocking an outlet path and another initiator that breaks the obstruction when activated, thereby further opening the outlet path. The pressurized container might include a main path fluidly connected to the outlet, a first secondary path that connects the main path to the chamber, and a second secondary path that also connects the main path to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Michael F. Fink
  • Patent number: 6688345
    Abstract: Method and device for densifying pulverized material, which is transported by means of a feeding screw in a screw housing, wherein alternatively vacuum and compressed air is applied via a filter on the inner circumference of the screw housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Joan Iglesias, Josep Arisa
  • Patent number: 6672340
    Abstract: A method for filling a vehicle fuel tank with a gas is provided, in which the vehicle fuel tank (31) is connected to a delivery device (2) by a pressure-tight line (10) and the gas stored under pressure is filled into the vehicle fuel tank (31) from a storage unit (3) by means of the delivery device (2). The method comprises the following steps: the instantaneous value of a parameter, which is representative of the instantaneous level of filling of the vehicle fuel tank (31), is determined during filling with the aid of a sensor apparatus (32, 33) arranged in the vehicle fuel tank (31) the filling is ended when the parameter has reached a pre-settable end value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: GreenField AG
    Inventor: Heinz Mutter
  • Patent number: 6668877
    Abstract: A filling system having a discharge unit to fill still beverages under an open ambience into containers. The filling system has an annular nozzle from which blows a sterile gas in the direction of filling. The nozzle is mounted on the filling system concentrically with the discharge unit such that sterile gas encircles beverages being discharged from the discharge unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Alfill Engineering GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Jorn Richard Fehland, Jens H. Popplau
  • Patent number: 6655155
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus for transporting compressed gas includes a gas storage system having a plurality of pipes connected by a manifold whereby the gas storage system is designed to operate in the pressure range of the minimum compressibility factor for a given composition of gas. A displacement fluid may be used to load or offload the gas from the gas storage system. A vessel including a preferred gas storage system may also include pumping equipment for handling the displacement fluid and provide storage for some or all of the fluid needed to load or unload the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Enersea Transport, LLC
    Inventor: William M. Bishop
  • Patent number: 6648034
    Abstract: A manifold comprising a container having two ports; a conduit connecting the container to a source/dispense of chemical having a first end and a second end and a connector for the ends; first block valve having two diaphragm valves, each valve having a valve seat side and a diaphragm side, each valve seat side faces the other valve seat side, and connected to the first end of the conduit, one diaphragm side connected to a first port, and another diaphragm side connected to vent; a second block valve having two diaphragm valves, having a valve seat side and a diaphragm side, wherein each valve seat side faces the other valve seat side, and each valve seat side connected to the second end of the conduit, the diaphragm side of one valve connected to purge, and the diaphragm side of another valve connected to push gas or chemical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Birtcher, Martin Castaneda Martinez, Thomas Andrew Steidl, Gil Vivanco, David James Silva
  • Patent number: 6601618
    Abstract: A filling apparatus 1 is made up of a gas passage 14 connected to a storage tank 31 via a connection passage 14a, a first gas valve 35 that opens and closes the gas passage, a pressure gas passage 41 connected to a pressure gas supply source, a pressure gas valve 42 that opens and closes the pressure gas passage, an exhaust passage 43 that allows an interior of a container 4 to communicate with the exterior thereof, and an exhaust valve 44 that opens and closes the exhaust passage. With this filling apparatus, before a pressurized filling operation, both the gas passage and the pressure gas passage are opened to pressurize the interior of the container with a carbonated gas supplied through both passages. Further, also before a unpressurized filling operation, both the gas passage and the pressure gas passage are opened to perform a flushing operation in which droplets are discharged from the gas passage with air exhausted from the container into the storage tank via the gas passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Tsukano, Masaaki Eda, Shinya Kamori, Katsunori Tanikawa
  • Patent number: 6470923
    Abstract: A device for program-controlled variation of the composition of a gaseous mixture for inflating a tire for performing the method, comprising a first source of at least one main gas, a second source of at least one additional gas, at least one first compressor suitable for compressing to a preset pressure a gaseous mixture of at least said main gas and additional gas, at least one dispenser of compressed mixture which is connected to the delivery of said compressor, and further comprising at least one mixer for said at least one main gas and said at least one additional gas which is suitable for delivering a gaseous mixture having a desired composition, a gas analyzer means arranged downstream of said mixer, valve means for controlling the flow between said mixer and said first and second gas sources, and program control means arranged to control said valve means in response to control signals from said analyzer means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Butler Engineering & Marketing S.r.l.
    Inventor: Tullio Gonzaga
  • Patent number: 6457494
    Abstract: A chemical delivery system which utilizes multiple techniques to achieve a suitable chemical purge of the chemical delivery system is provided. A purge sequence serves to purge the manifold and canister connection lines of the chemical delivery system prior to removal of an empty chemical supply canister or after a new canister is installed. More particularly, a purge technique which may utilizes a variety of combinations of a medium level vacuum source, a hard vacuum source, and/or a liquid flush system is disclosed. By utilizing a plurality of purge techniques, chemicals such as TaEth, TDEAT, BST, etc. which pose purging difficulties may be efficiently purged from the chemical delivery system. The chemical delivery system may also be provided with an efficient and conveniently located heater system for heating the chemical delivery system cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Craig M. Noah, Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6439278
    Abstract: A compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling system has banks of cylinders containing CNG, a hydraulic fluid reservoir containing a hydraulic fluid which does not readily mix with CNG, and reversible flow valves. Each cylinder has a fitting installed in an opening at one end. The fitting contains a hydraulic fluid port and a gas port. The other end of each cylinder is closed. Hydraulic fluid is pumped from the reservoir into each cylinder through the hydraulic fluid port. Inside each cylinder, the hydraulic fluid directly contacts the CNG, forcing the CNG out through the gas port. When a sensor detects that the cylinders are substantially drained of CNG, the reversible flow valves will reverse orientation, allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow back into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: NEOgas Inc.
    Inventor: Igor Krasnov
  • Patent number: 6418983
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes vapor and hydrocarbon concentration sensors positioned in the vapor recovery line to provide accurate feedback relating to the speed and concentration of hydrocarbon laden vapor recovered by a vapor recovery system. The sensors provide diagnostic information about the vapor recovery process as well as insuring that the vapor recovery process is carried out in an efficient manner. Additionally, the sensors may be positioned in an underground storage tank vent apparatus to monitor fugitive emissions from the underground storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Gilbasco Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Payne, Richard R. Sobota, Seifollah S. Nanaji, Kenneth L. Pope
  • Patent number: 6408902
    Abstract: A balloon-inflating device capable of mixing a multiple type of gases, which includes a body having an air-inlet cavity and a compression cavity; at least one air pump mounted to the body to pump air from the air-inlet cavity to the compression cavity; at least an air nozzle mounted to the body and having an air-inlet connected to the compression cavity, wherein the nozzle is provided with a stopper to seal the air-inlet in normal operating condition; at least a second gas supply valve having an air-outlet connected to the air nozzle and having an air-inlet connected to a second gas supplier; and a control device for controlling the operation of the air pump and the second gas supply valve, thereby the opening and closing of the air pump and the second gas supply valve inflate a balloon with either air or a second gas, or a mixture of the compressed air of the air pump and the second gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Ting Chau Liau
  • Patent number: 6357491
    Abstract: A device designed to interconnect with an inflatable thermia blanket. The device conveys a medium into the blanket, which applies an internal pressure to the device, and has at least two temperature settings for controlling the temperature of the medium and a pressure sensing apparatus. The pressure sensing apparatus measures the internal pressure. And when the measurement exceeds a predetermined level of internal pressure then any one of the at least two temperature settings is useable. Otherwise, when the measurement does not exceed the predetermined level of internal pressure, the device will either convey the medium at a predetermined temperature setting, which can include shutting the device down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Buchanan, Keith Martin
  • Publication number: 20020014276
    Abstract: A method of operating a carbonated beverage filling machine for filling beverage containers, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans, with a beverage, and also a carbonated beverage filling machine for filling beverage containers, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans, with a beverage. The beverage in the corresponding container, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans, is carbonated in the container, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans, while the container, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans, is being filled in the carbonated beverage filling machine for filling beverage containers, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ludwig Clusserath
  • Patent number: 6296026
    Abstract: A chemical delivery system which utilizes multiple techniques to achieve a suitable chemical purge of the chemical delivery system is provided. A purge sequence serves to purge the manifold and canister connection lines of the chemical delivery system prior to removal of an empty chemical supply canister or after a new canister is installed. More particularly, a purge technique which may utilizes a variety of combinations of a medium level vacuum source, a hard vacuum source, and/or a liquid flush system is disclosed. By utilizing a plurality of purge techniques, chemicals such as TaEth, TDEAT, BST, etc. which pose purging difficulties may be efficiently purged from the chemical delivery system. The chemical delivery system may also be provided with an efficient and conveniently located heater system for heating the chemical delivery system cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Craig M. Noah, Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6296025
    Abstract: A chemical delivery system which utilizes multiple techniques to achieve a suitable chemical purge of the chemical delivery system is provided. A purge sequence serves to purge the manifold and canister connection lines of the chemical delivery system prior to removal of an empty chemical supply canister or after a new canister is installed. More particularly, a purge technique which may utilizes a variety of combinations of a medium level vacuum source, a hard vacuum source, and/or a liquid flush system is disclosed. By utilizing a plurality of purge techniques, chemicals such as TaEth, TDEAT, BST, etc. which pose purging difficulties may be efficiently purged from the chemical delivery system. The chemical delivery system may also be provided with an efficient and conveniently located heater system for heating the chemical delivery system cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Craig M. Noah, Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6289725
    Abstract: A method of determining matric potential of a sample, the method comprising placing the sample in a container, the container having an opening; and contacting the sample with a tensiometer via the opening. An apparatus for determining matric potential of a sample, the apparatus comprising a housing configured to receive a sample; a portable matric potential sensing device extending into the housing and having a porous member; and a wall closing the housing to insulate the sample and at least a portion of the matric potential sensing device including the porous member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
  • Patent number: 6213170
    Abstract: A valveless fuel tank assembly for a vehicle including a fuel tank having an interior chamber to hold fuel therein. The valveless fuel tank assembly also includes a vapor canister to adsorb fuel vapor in the fuel tank. The valveless fuel tank assembly includes a fill-limit tube connected to the fuel tank and communicating with the interior chamber and a tank vent tube connected to the vapor canister and operatively connected to the fill-limit tube. The valveless fuel tank assembly further includes an oleophobic filter connected to the fill-limit tube to allow vapor fuel to communicate with the vapor canister and to prevent liquid fuel from communicating with the vapor canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Howard Burke, Mahlon Richard Pachciarz
  • Patent number: 6199599
    Abstract: A chemical delivery system which utilizes multiple techniques to achieve a suitable chemical purge of the chemical delivery system is provided. A purge sequence serves to purge the manifold and canister connection lines of the chemical delivery system prior to removal of an empty chemical supply canister or after a new canister is installed. More particularly, a purge technique which may utilizes a variety of combinations of a medium level vacuum source, a hard vacuum source, and/or a liquid flush system is disclosed. By utilizing a plurality of purge techniques, chemicals such as TaEth, TDEAT, BST, etc. which pose purging difficulties may be efficiently purged from the chemical delivery system. The chemical delivery system may also be provided with an efficient and conveniently located heater system for heating the chemical delivery system cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Delivery & Chemical Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Craig M. Noah, Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6170542
    Abstract: Electronic air-supplying and pressure-equalizer system for tires, to be preferably installed at petrol stations, service areas, mechanical assistance points on roads or the like, similar to those comprising a compression unit, which, either through a deposit or directly, supplies a gas, preferably compressed air, to an inflating unit, which has several inflating conduits having, at their free ends, mechanisms for coupling the inflating conduits to a tire valve, as well as a structure for supporting the conduits, which is provided with a working unit or machine (1), including a housing (2), a metal framework (11), an electronic measuring instrument, and a pneumatic equipment (35) a propeller or compressor equipment, having an inner or outer compressing unit, a basis or supporting unit and an air-delivering unit (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Fast Air S.L.
    Inventor: Fermin Jaime Loureiro Benimeli