With Separate Storage Of Gas Displaced From Receiver Patents (Class 141/52)
  • Patent number: 11794380
    Abstract: The present invention includes: an injection container unit; a lid member; and an ejection air supply section configured to press a foamed mixed material in the injection container unit with compressed air and thereby eject the foamed mixed material through an ejection port, the lid member being provided with a sealing body configured to deform when a fluid is injected and thereby make close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the injection container unit during the pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SINTOKOGIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Komiyama, Tomohiro Aoki
  • Patent number: 9428373
    Abstract: A rotary-type filling machine includes a rotary body, a liquid distribution chamber, a plurality of filling flow path configuration units, each of which has a fluid path constituted by a liquid path connected to the liquid distribution chamber and a liquid valve and configured to individually introduce a liquid into a container, a filling control device, a liquid supply unit, a pressure difference information detection unit configured to detect pressure difference information between a liquid distribution chamber pressure, which is a pressure of the liquid in the liquid distribution chamber, and a filling atmospheric pressure detected as a pressure of a flow release unit in a filling flow path configuration unit at an arbitrary radial direction position of the rotary body, and a rotation information detection unit configured to detect rotation information of the rotary body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES FOOD & PACKAGING MACHINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Tanaka, Masayuki Hayashi, Shinji Ishikura
  • Patent number: 8955559
    Abstract: Fuel vapor is prevented from leaking to the outside during refueling, and even when an air space is formed in an upper portion of a fuel filler pipe, a diagnosis of leakage of fuel vapor can be performed with good accuracy. During refueling, fuel vapor is guided from a fuel tank 1 to a canister 3, and is absorbed by the canister 3. A change in the internal pressure of a fuel vapor path including the fuel tank 1, a fuel vapor pipe 4, and the canister 3 is detected by a pressure sensor 8, thereby performing a diagnosis of leakage of fuel vapor. An upper space 16 in the fuel tank 1 and an upper space 17 in a fuel filler pipe 2 communicate with each other through an airflow resistance pipe 12, and in order to restrict flow of fuel vapor from the fuel tank 1 through the airflow resistance pipe 12 into the fuel filler pipe 2 during refueling, the airflow resistance pipe 12 includes an orifice 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Keylex Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Hatakeyama, Toshiaki Miyagawa, Osamu Fujiyama
  • Patent number: 8887774
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to fuel tanks including features for capturing vapors displaced during a filling process. In an embodiment, the invention includes a fuel tank including a housing defining an interior volume; an inflow conduit providing fluid communication between the outside of the housing and the interior volume; a check-valve coupled to the inflow conduit, the check-valve configured to allow fuel to flow through the check-valve into the interior volume but prevent the flow of gases from the interior volume to the outside of the housing; an expansion member configured to reversibly change in volume; and a vent conduit providing fluid communication between the expansion member and the interior volume of the housing. Other embodiments are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sartec Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Vincent McNeff, Larry C. McNeff
  • Patent number: 8863789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filling system for filling bottles, cans, or similar containers (2) with a liquid filling good, comprising at least one filling element (1, 1a) having at least one dispensing opening (7) for introducing the filling good into the particular container (2) in a controlled manner, means (10) for retaining and pressing the particular container (2) having a container opening (2.1) in a sealing position against the filling element (1, 1a) in the area of the dispensing opening (7), at least one pneumatic device (15.1, 16.1, 19) for producing at least one component of the press-on force, which pneumatic device can be exposed to the pressure (P1) of a gaseous and/or vaporous operating medium. In order to change and/or set the press-on force, a second component of said force is produced by a further hydraulic or pneumatic device (15.2, 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Publication number: 20140283949
    Abstract: A sealant bottle for tire repair of gas pressure type which comprises a bottle body configured for containing sealant. The bottle body is provided with a sealant outlet and an air inlet, wherein a bottle cap is disposed at the sealant outlet and the air inlet is connected with a straight pipe assembly. An air-inlet end of the straight pipe assembly is connected with an air throat which is further provided with an explosion proof element. A sealant guiding pipe disposed within the bottle cap is comprised of a first pipe section arranging along the axial direction of the bottle body and a second pipe section perpendicular to the first pipe section. A second step is disposed between inlets of the first pipe section and the second pipe section, and a rubber plug is further disposed between the inlet of the first pipe section and the second step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Active Tools International (HK) LTD.
    Inventor: Ying Chi Hong
  • Patent number: 8726946
    Abstract: A method for filling bottles or similar containers with an oxygen sensitive effervescent liquid beverage filling material under counterpressure and a filling machine for the performance of this method are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch, Manfred Härtel
  • Publication number: 20130306190
    Abstract: A rotary-type filling machine includes a rotary body, a liquid distribution chamber, a plurality of filling flow path configuration units, each of which has a fluid path constituted by a liquid path connected to the liquid distribution chamber and a liquid valve and configured to individually introduce a liquid into a container, a filling control device, a liquid supply unit, a pressure difference information detection unit configured to detect pressure difference information between a liquid distribution chamber pressure, which is a pressure of the liquid in the liquid distribution chamber, and a filling atmospheric pressure detected as a pressure of a flow release unit in a filling flow path configuration unit at an arbitrary radial direction position of the rotary body, and a rotation information detection unit configured to detect rotation information of the rotary body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Food & Packaging Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Tanaka, Masayuki Hayashi, Shinji Ishikura
  • Publication number: 20130240081
    Abstract: Machine (1) for filling containers with liquids, which comprises a rotatable carousel (10) equipped with a tank (12) for containing a liquid to be bottled, and a plurality of valve groups (13) peripherally mounted on the rotatable carousel (10) and equipped with a supply duct (14) for the flow of said liquid into containers (2) to be filled, and with an air return cannula (16). Furthermore, each valve group (13) comprises: a collection cup (29), which is connected to the upper end (16?) of the air return cannula (16); a first control valve (34), actuatable to place the collection cup (29) in communication with an atmospherically pressurised evacuation circuit (31); a second control valve (35) actuatable to place the collection cup (29) in communication with a suction circuit (33?, 33?). Furthermore, a logic control unit (100) operatively connected to the first and second control valves (34, 35) of each valve group (13) is provided in order to control the switch of said control valves (34,35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: MBF S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Balzarin, Giuliano Boscaro
  • 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: 8113245
    Abstract: A device for filling a recipient with at least one material in a form of a powder, the device including: a filling channel configured to bring the material from a reserve of material to an entry opening of the recipient; and a pump that evacuates a pneumatic fluid contained in the recipient through at least one first evacuation duct and a second evacuation duct, wherein the at least one first evacuation duct is configured to connect an inside of the recipient to an environment outside of the recipient during a filling phase, the first evacuation duct being internal to the filling channel, and the second evacuation duct is configured to evacuate the pneumatic fluid before filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat A l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Luc Federzoni, Pascal Revirand
  • Patent number: 8091591
    Abstract: A device for the filling of vessels, with a container for liquid and pressurized gas and at least one filling pipe connected with this, which filling pipe comprises a liquid valve and a return gas pipe, whereby a gas pipe discharges into the filling pipe outside the return gas pipe, which gas pipe is connected with the container by means of a pre-stressing valve, so that the pre-stressing valve is positioned on the upper side of the container and the gas pipe discharges into the container from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Erwin Knieling
  • Patent number: 8037905
    Abstract: A method is provided for filling an enclosure with an ignitable mixture of gases. The enclosure has an outer wall comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a fill aperture extending therethrough. The method comprises delivering a predetermined amount of pressurized combustible gas into the enclosure through the fill aperture, delivering a first predetermined amount of pressurized inert gas into the enclosure through the fill aperture at a first pressurization rate, delivering a second predetermined amount of pressurized inert gas into the enclosure through the fill aperture at a second pressurization rate, welding a sealing member to the outer wall of the enclosure by a welding process to form a weld operable to seal the fill aperture and to permit the enclosure to store pressurized gas therein. The first pressurization rate allows the first predetermined amount of pressurized inert gas to mix with the predetermined amount of pressurized combustible gas to form an ignitable mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: John P. Sparkman, Charles M. Woods, William H. Phipps
  • Patent number: 7866356
    Abstract: A vapor emission control system includes an electrically operated shutoff valve in the fuel vapor vent recirculation line to the filler tube. The electrically operated valve is controlled by an electronic controller responsive to signals from a fuel level indicator and a fuel cap sensor in the tank. In one embodiment, the valve closes when the fuel level indicator indicates a full tank condition and when the fuel cap sensor indicates that the fuel cap is off the filler neck. The present invention thus provides a positive shutoff of fuel vapor to the filler tube during refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Publication number: 20100212773
    Abstract: A method for filling bottles or similar containers with an oxygen sensitive effervescent liquid beverage filling material under counterpressure and filling machine for the performance of this method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch, Manfred Hürtel
  • Patent number: 7665639
    Abstract: A high-speed bulk filling tank truck is provided, which permits reduction of the filling time. The high-speed bulk filling tank truck delivers a liquefied gas in a truck tank to a bulk storage tank, and recovers a gas-phase gas in the bulk storage tank into the truck tank, thereby filling the bulk storage tank with the liquefied gas. The high-speed bulk filling tank truck includes a liquid feed pump, provided on a liquid line through which the liquefied gas flows, for feeding the liquefied gas in the truck tank to the bulk storage tank, and a gas compressor, provided on the gas line through which a gas-phase gas flows, for compressing the gas-phase gas in the bulk storage tank and delivering the same into the truck tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Koagas Nihon Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayasu Kamikozuru
  • Publication number: 20090293988
    Abstract: A fixed and/or stationary modular unit consists of a hydraulic fluid tank, a pressurization pump, and a compressed gas transportation system consisting of a cylinder or set of cylinders. Each cylinder has two ends, a charging end and a dispensing end, with actuated valves positioned at each end. A pair of valves are located at each charging end of each cylinder, with one valve connected to an incoming hydraulic fluid line and the other valve connected to a hydraulic fluid return line. A valve is connected at the dispensing end of each cylinder. Adapters at each end of the cylinder have curved J-tubes that extend into the cylinder. The J-tube on the charging end curves downward and the J-tube on the dispensing end curves upward. The cylinder or sets of cylinders are inclined to a desired level for the dispensing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: NEOgas Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Pang, ZhiQiang Shi, Mauricia Guerra
  • Patent number: 7353848
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having a filling device and a filling machine having such a filling device. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Dieter Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 7347231
    Abstract: Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage having a filling machine for filling bottles and other beverage containers with a liquid beverage. The filling machine having a gas tube being configured and disposed to permit evacuation of gas from a beverage bottle to a chamber of a return gas duct without the gas contacting liquid beverage material in a beverage storage reservoir to essentially prevent contamination of the liquid beverage material in said beverage storage reservoir by the gas being evacuated from the beverage bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schmoll
  • Patent number: 7270155
    Abstract: A gasoline vapor recycling system for gasoline tank includes a route control valve installed on a breathing valve piping of a gasoline tank to control change of gasoline vapor path, and a discharge processing apparatus which has an intake pipe connecting to the route control valve and a gasoline return pipe connecting to the breathing valve piping via a check valve. The discharge processing apparatus has a sensor to monitor the pressure of the saturated gasoline vapor in the gasoline tank. A control element activates a delivery unit or directly actuates the route control valve to direct the gasoline vapor that otherwise will be discharged through the breathing valve piping into the discharge processing apparatus. The gasoline vapor is processed by a compressing unit and a processing unit for separating of liquid and vapor, and purifying of the vapor. A portion of the gasoline vapor flows back to the gasoline tank via the gasoline return pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Wei Pin Ho
  • Patent number: 7159622
    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: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Fink
  • Patent number: 7108023
    Abstract: An apparatus for the preservation of still beverages is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum tank capable of maintaining a standing vacuum. The apparatus also includes a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum tank. The vacuum pump reduces the pressure in the vacuum tank to create the vacuum. A vacuum line is connected to the vacuum tank, and at least one valve head is connected to the vacuum line for receiving a bottle having a stopper placed therein. The valve head exposes the bottle and stopper to a vacuum. Upon exposure to the vacuum, air in the bottle is substantially evacuated and is prevented from reentering the bottle by the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Armando Luis
  • Patent number: 7048016
    Abstract: An apparatus for the preservation of still beverages is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum tank capable of maintaining a standing vacuum. The apparatus also includes a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum tank. The vacuum pump reduces the pressure in the vacuum tank to create the vacuum. A vacuum line is connected to the vacuum tank, and at least one valve head is connected to the vacuum line for receiving a bottle having a stopper placed therein. The valve head exposes the bottle and stopper to a vacuum. Upon exposure to the vacuum, air in the bottle is substantially evacuated and is prevented from reentering the bottle by the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Armando Luis
  • Patent number: 7011119
    Abstract: An underground tank releases vapors depending upon air pressure. As pressure increases, vapors decline. When pressure decreases, vapors increase and escape the tank or spill to pollute the atmosphere. A container for trapping vapors has a housing upon a base. Within the housing one or more bags hang upon stems connected to piping at fittings. The stems have perforations to admit vapors into the bags. The stems are connected serially to the piping upon the base. As vapors enter the piping, the bags inflate within the housing. When tank or spill pressure declines, the vapors exit the bags and return to the tank or spill via the piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6938649
    Abstract: A substrate holding part in a substrate processing apparatus includes a fixing table having a suction pipe and a supply pipe, and a holding member having atmosphere flow passages for vacuum-holding a substrate. The holding member is placed on the fixing table. The suction pipe is connected through a pipe to a compressor, and the supply pipe is connected through a pipe and a solenoid valve to a gas supply part. When the substrate holding part holds a substrate, the compressor sucks an atmosphere through the suction pipe to cause the holding member to vacuum-hold the substrate. When the substrate holding part releases the substrate, a gas is supplied from the gas supply part through the supply pipe by opening the solenoid valve while the suction through the suction pipe continues. The substrate holding device and the substrate processing apparatus suppress the deposition of particles on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6886605
    Abstract: An apparatus for the preservation of still beverages is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum tank capable of maintaining a standing vacuum. The apparatus also includes a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum tank. The vacuum pump reduces the pressure in the vacuum tank to create the vacuum. A vacuum line is connected to the vacuum tank, and at least one valve head is connected to the vacuum line for receiving a bottle having a stopper placed therein. The valve head exposes the bottle and stopper to a vacuum. Upon exposure to the vacuum, air in the bottle is substantially evacuated and is prevented from reentering the bottle by the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Armando Luis
  • Patent number: 6863095
    Abstract: An evaporative fuel control system is provided which includes a canister, and a fill-up control valve disposed in a vent line that communicates a fuel tank with the canister for controlling fill-up of the fuel tank. The fill-up control valve includes a casing, a float disposed in a space formed in the casing such that the float is movable up or down in the space, and a valve body provided in an upper portion of the float. In the evaporative fuel control system, the fill-up control valve is located outside and above the fuel tank, and a head difference is provided between a full level of the fuel tank and the fill-up control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Osaki, Takehiro Nagase
  • Patent number: 6854492
    Abstract: An electrically operated valve is connected in the vapor recirculation line from a float operated vent valve, or a direct vapor recirculation line from the tank top to the upper end of the tank filler tube. The electrically operated valve is actuated by an electronic controller (ECU) which receives a fuel level signal either from the float operated level sender or from a thermistor located in the tank adjacent the top wall of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 6834686
    Abstract: A tank pressure management system includes a vapor condensing system in fluid communication with a storage tank and an accumulator vessel in fluid communication with the vapor condensing system and a storage tank. The accumulator vessel includes an air/vapor conduit and a liquid conduit connected to a storage tank. A method of managing air/vapor pressure of a storage tank includes the steps of monitoring the pressure in a storage tank, removing air/vapor from a storage tank, separating liquid from the air/vapor, returning all remaining air/vapor to a storage tank and returning the liquid to a storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Gray, John P. Nesbit
  • Patent number: 6681813
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the removal of fluid from a container (10), which carries a gas and which in the area of a collection point (12) for the liquid has a removal connection (14), to which can be connected a collection container (18) by means of a removal conduit (16), which container can be connected through an equalization conduit (20) with an equalization connection (22) arranged on the container (10), which connection is different from the removal connection (14). In this manner a liquid removal device of small structure is made available as a maintenance unit which can be connected with only very short time period of the container being out of commission and in turn can also be rapidly separated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hydac Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Baltes
  • Patent number: 6405766
    Abstract: A float operated fuel tank vapor vent valve having a reduced diameter portion on the bottom of the float which forms a tapered surface. The tapered surface contacts a plurality of spaced resilient fingers when the float drops suddenly; and the float motion is thus arrested silently by deflection of the resilient fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 6260587
    Abstract: A collection and disposal system for intercepting fuel vapor, liquid fuel, and water accumulating at the filler neck compartment of a motor vehicle. The system includes a suction fan, a plurality of conduits communicating between the filler neck compartment and the suction fan, a collector for liquids accumulating in the filler neck compartment, and an electrical control system. The control system includes a switch which operates the suction fan when the filler neck compartment door is open. The suction fan draws vapors from the filler neck compartment through the conduits for disposal. Vapors may be conducted to the emissions control system, in particular the charcoal canister for trapping vapors, a suitable point of the engine such as the intake manifold, carburetor, or throttle body, or may be vented to the open atmosphere. The collector of liquids has a flapper valve which discharges liquids when a predetermined volume is collected. A buzzer is arranged to annunciate operation of the suction fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Clarence E. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6213169
    Abstract: In a mechanical single-chamber filling system for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid product, each filling element has a return gas tube that forms a gas or return gas duct that emerges in a gas space of a toroidal bowl. In this gas or return gas duct there is a mechanically actuated pressurization gas valve. The pressurization gas valve is simultaneously realized in the form of a Trinox valve, namely to regulate a Trinox pressure in the respective container, largely independently of the pressure in a Trinox duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Patent number: 6135166
    Abstract: A filling valve assembly for filling a container (11) with a fluid material and comprising a valve body (16) having an outer wall (18) defining an inner chamber (20). A vent tube (30) extends upwardly through the chamber (20) for ventilating the container (11) when the container (11) is filled with the fluid material and defining at least one fluid passageway (38) disposed between the outer wall (18) and the vent tube (30) for allowing the fluid material to discharge from the chamber (20) and into the container (11). A first screen (62) is disposed across said fluid passageway (38) and the assembly is characterized by a second screen (64) disposed across the passageway (38) in spaced relationship to and below the first screen (62) whereby the capillary action of both screens (62) and (64) accumulate to more precisely fill successive containers (11) to equal volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Crown Simplimatic Incorporated
    Inventors: Gilbert E. Paradies, William H. Mitterholzer
  • Patent number: 6123118
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser's vapor recovery system nozzle capable of responding to the presence of an onboard vapor recovery system (ORVR) in an automobile. The invention includes a vapor recovery nozzle having a vapor passage in its nozzle spout and a vapor inlet in communication with the vapor passage. The spout includes a moveable seal mounted on the spout with the seal having a first position adjacent to the plurality of vapor inlets and a second position covering the vapor inlets so as to substantially block the passage of vapors through the vapor inlets. The seal may be biased in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
  • Patent number: 6024141
    Abstract: An apparatus including: a conduit operably connected to a source and extending downwardly therefrom, the conduit being adapted to permit a flow of particulate material from the source through the conduit; a fluidizing nozzle operably connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom, the nozzle defining an inlet for receiving material from the conduit and defining an outlet for dispensing material from the nozzle to a receiver, the inlet defining an inlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material and outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material, the inlet cross sectional area being larger than the outlet cross sectional area; the nozzle being adapted with a plenum including an inlet port for receiving compressed gas and a chamber adapted to communicate the gas to the porous walls of the nozzle, and an outlet port for engaging a vacuum source to continuously evacuate the receiver while the nozzle is engaged with the receiver; a conveyor locat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Paul M. Wegman
  • Patent number: 5634500
    Abstract: In a method for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid under back pressure, at least a first flushing and a second flushing of the interior of the respective bottle are conducted in chronological sequence during a pre-treatment phase which precedes the actual priming of the respective container, by the timed introduction of a specified quantity of inert gas, with a subsequent evacuation of the interior of the bottle. The introduction of the specified quantity of inert gas takes place in a timed manner during each flushing, and is performed independently of the capacity at which the bottling system is currently being operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Alnagenbau AG
    Inventors: Ludwig Clusserath, Manfred Hartel
  • Patent number: 5484000
    Abstract: A vacuum assisted vapor recovery system and method using a processing unit to process excess vapors collected during vehicle refueling with a bellowless nozzle. The system and method can be divided into two sequences of operation. The first sequence is the collection of vapors from the automobile during refueling. The second sequence is the return of vapors to a product storage tank with the processing of any excess vapors that would otherwise increase the pressure inside the storage tank. A single collection unit is used to collect the vapors as well as to send them to the storage tank and the processing unit. An improvement provides a recirculation loop in the collection unit to also control vapor growth in the underground storage tank. Pressure sensitive switches maintain a pressure level in the storage tank by activating the system if the pressure in the storage tank exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Detlev E. M. Hasselmann
  • Patent number: 5151111
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a vacuum-assisted vapor recovery system for loading vessels with volatile materials such as liquid hydrocarbons, including gasoline and distillates, which system utilizes a series of interlock premissives and vacuum controllers to maintain a vacuum on the vapor header of the vessel being loaded, which vacuum is within a desired, predetermined level. The system is further arranged and adapted to shutdown the filling of liquids into the vessel should a vacuum leak be detected or should any other malfunction of the vapor recovery system or the liquid filling system arise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alistair A. Tees, Glen E. Kenney
  • Patent number: 5016684
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing carbonated liquids into a container under counterpressure. The introduction of liquid under a filling pressure into a container that is in a sealing position with a filling element is effected during a filling phase that follows pressurizing of the container. Return gas displaced by incoming liquid is at least briefly withdrawn from the container via a return gas passage of the filling element. After termination of the filling phase, with the container still in a sealing position with the filling element, first a pre-relief of pressure in the container to a pre-relief pressure is effected, and subsequently a relief to atmospheric pressure is effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Seitz Enzinger Noll Maschinenbau Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ludwig Clusserath
  • Patent number: 4976295
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers, under counterpressure, with carbonated liquids. The return gas that is to be withdrawn from a container that is being filled is conveyed, accompanied by a pressure differential, into a return gas chamber via a connection that is provided with a flow control mechanism. In this return gas chamber a pressure is regulated that is adjustable within a range that is between the filling pressure and the critical pressure of the flow control mechanism. In this way, the flow velocity with which the dispensed liquid flows into a container that is being filled can be smoothly adapted in an infinitely variable manner to the filling characteristics of a respectively dispensed liquid, and/or to the respective output requirements of the filling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Seitz Enzinger Noll Maschinenbau Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ludwig Clusserath
  • Patent number: 4869283
    Abstract: A device for trapping fuel vapors during the refuelling of a fuel tank having a vapor control valve and which during refuelling, is moved into an open position provided outside the tank filler pipe safety valve which closes under the influence of gravity due to certain inclined positions of the fuel tank is connected upstream of the control valve, so that no fuel can escape through the vapor vent line in the case of a crash, even if the control valve no longer closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heiner Oeffling, Harald Bohringer, Dieter Scheurenbrand, Helmut Wawra
  • Patent number: 4846134
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for accumulating hydrocarbon vapor and rendering the vapor environmentally safe by combustion. An internal combustion engine is attached to an interface which accumulates hydrocarbon vapor present in the soil after a spill or leakage from a storage tank or transfer lines. The vacuum of the internal combustion engine present in the intake manifold is used to draw the hydrocarbon vapors from the soil into the interface and then into the engine where they are burned. A catalytic converter of conventional design cleans the end exhaust removing any remaining hydrocarbon pollutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: V. R. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Perry, Jonathan T. Uhl, Thomas L. Davis, David E. Potts
  • Patent number: 4706708
    Abstract: A fuel tank filler neck has a plate that pivots between a position restricting the filler neck and a position permitting introduction of fuel through the filler neck. A vent housing secured on the filler neck has a vapor inlet fitting and a vapor outlet fitting connected through a vent orifice, a pressure relief orifice, and a vacuum relief orifice. A diaphragm vent valve controls flow through the vent orifice. An actuating arm pivoted with the restrictor plate engages the vent valve across the vent orifice when the restrictor plate restricts the filler neck, and permits the vent valve to allow vapor flow from the vapor inlet fitting through the vent orifice to the vapor outlet fitting when the restrictor plate permits introduction of fuel through the filler neck. A diaphragm valve controls flow through the pressure relief orifice, and an umbrella valve controls flow through the vacuum relief orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Fornuto, William E. Gifford, Daniel Nolan, Carl H. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 4673009
    Abstract: A fuel tank has a filler neck terminating in an upwardly opening well, and a paddle overlying the well has a pivoted arm extending adjacent a vent valve. The arm causes the valve to restrict flow through a vent orifice when fuel is not being introduced through the filler neck, but pivots to allow the valve to open the orifice in response to introduction of liquid fuel through the filler neck. A float has an actuating member adapted to cause the valve to restrict flow through the orifice when the level of liquid fuel in the tank approaches the maximum level desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Roy A. Giacomazzi, Gregory E. Rich
  • Patent number: 4598741
    Abstract: A barrier vapor control system includes a seal inside an automobile filler pipe for engaging the fuel delivery conduit of a pump nozzle to prevent the escape of hydrocarbon vapors out of the filler pipe into the atmosphere while the fuel tank is being refilled. A vapor recovery conduit downstream of the seal carries the vapors displaced by filling the fuel tank to a cannister that contains a scrubbing agent. A vacuum accumulator and a vacuum pump draw fresh air and the vapors from the fuel tank through the cannister to remove hydrocarbon vapors from the effluent vapors of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: D. C. Johnson & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Johnson, James S. Allen
  • Patent number: 4552573
    Abstract: A dust suppressor apparatus for use in discharging particulate or granular material, such as grain, which includes a housing defining an internal chamber and having an inlet opening in the upper region of the chamber and a discharge opening in the lower region of the chamber. A suppressor control gate is hingedly mounted on the housing and is biased to a position preventing discharge of material through the discharge opening until a predetermined quantity of particulate material acts on the control gate to overcome the biasing and open the control gate. The control gate and is operative to exert pressure on the particulate material discharging through the discharge opening so as to enable bulk discharge while preventing egress of dust ladened air through the discharge opening. Baffle plates are provided in the chamber to reduce grain velocity within the device. The baffle plates may be independently adjustable or may be automatically adjusted upon tilting of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Cargill Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce T. Weis, Nash N. Helmy, David E. Tweet, Bruce W. Moechnig
  • Patent number: 4515189
    Abstract: One or a series of wheeled tank cars for carrying a commodity which must be heated for effective handling and which produces noxious gases when heated is provided with a closed vapor recovery system, including valved lines respectively associated with each tank car, for safely venting said gases to a remote recovery sink away from operating personnel as the commodity is heated in the one or more tank cars prior to unloading or during the filling operation. An upper heating coil system is also disclosed for melting away solidified commodity from upper tank fittings prior to operation of said fittings in the unloading or loading operation for reliable flow handling therethrough and operation of their valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: General American Transportation Corporation
    Inventor: Erling Mowatt-Larssen
  • Patent number: 4428395
    Abstract: A lock apparatus for attachment to the top of an input pipe communicating with a storage tank includes an open-ended cylindrical housing for mounting to the top of the input pipe, a valve assembly pivotally mounted in the housing with a valve activating axle protruding through an orifice in the housing, and a locking mechanism. The valve assembly includes at least one valve plate with a seal member provided around the edge of the valve plate for sealing the space between the edge of the valve plate and the cylindrical housing when the valve assembly is closed. The locking mechanism includes a latch pivotally attached to the protruding end of the axle, a lock flange attached to the outside of the housing and a tamper prevention flange above and in linear alignment with the axle and the latch to prevent unauthorized tampering with the axle and attached latch. The latch may be coupled to the lock flange and locked to maintain the valve in the closed position across the interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 4246938
    Abstract: A system for safely and efficiently collecting vapors which might otherwise be released during the storage or transfer of a volatile liquid to and from a storage facility. The system includes a collapsible walled receptacle or reservoir which is connected to receive vapors from the storage facility. A compressor or other vapor evacuation means is also connected to the storage tank as well as to the collapsible walled receptacle. The compressor functions intermittently to remove vapors from both units. The collapsible walled unit includes a level sensing means which is adapted to in effect, sense the volume of vapor held within the collapsible walled receptacle and thus to actuate the compressor control means between predetermined levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn G. Morgan