Filling With Exhausting The Receiver Patents (Class 141/59)
  • Patent number: 7694699
    Abstract: A system and method for filling hydrodynamic bearings with fluid are disclosed. The fluid filling system of the present invention includes a fluid storage tank to store fluid therein, a vacuum vessel to receive a hydrodynamic bearing therein, a fluid dispenser for connecting the fluid storage tank to the vacuum vessel and dripping the fluid into a micro-gap of the hydrodynamic bearing, a pump connected both to the fluid storage tank and to the vacuum vessel and separately exhausting air from both the fluid storage tank and the vacuum vessel to the outside, and a nitrogen storage tank for separately controlling pressure in both the fluid storage tank and the vacuum vessel, wherein the fluid storage tank is pressurized using nitrogen such that the pressure in the fluid storage tank becomes higher than the pressure in the vacuum vessel, thus causing the fluid to move to the vacuum vessel and to be dripped into the hydrodynamic bearing received in the vacuum vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Hyeong Lim, Dong Kil Son
  • Patent number: 7681586
    Abstract: A double-walled flexible dispenser sump connection system prevents fuel leaks into a dispenser sump located below a fuel dispenser. An inner flexible connector and an outer flexible connector are configured such that the dispenser sump connection system may be installed on newly constructed fuel delivery systems or be retrofitted onto existing fuel delivery systems in order to bring them into compliance with recently environmental regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas L. Ingram
  • Patent number: 7673659
    Abstract: A system for preventing overflow in a storage tank which is fillable via a nozzle inserted in a fill passage includes a nozzle stop such that when an end of the nozzle contacts the nozzle stop, the nozzle is in a fill position. The system also includes a sealing device within the fill passage, which forms an inner sealing space via a first seal around the nozzle below a hole in the nozzle and a second seal around the nozzle above the hole in the nozzle. An airtight passage connects the inner sealing space to an interior of the storage tank. The system may also include a venting system including a tank vent passage between the storage tank and an end of the fill passage and an atmospheric vent passage between the tank vent passage and the external atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Steve Burkholder
  • 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: 20100037984
    Abstract: An aseptic filling device for filling carbonate beverages capable of decreasing the size of the clean booth, facilitating maintenance around the filling valve, and reliably sterilizing the interior of gas piping is provided. The aseptic filling device includes a plurality of filling valves, a fluid rotary joint, a filling fluid tank, a fluid surface level sensor, a fluid flow adjustment valve, a container gripper, a plurality of exhaust conduits, an exhaust conduit on/off valve, a plurality of counter gas conduits, a counter gas conduit on/off valve, a rotary joint, an ascetic gas conduit, a flow meter, and a sterilizing filter, wherein rotary conveyed containers contact at least one of the filling valves and are sealed by a sealing member. Filling is performed under a gas pressure, for example, carbon dioxide gas pressure, and a sterilizing filter for sterilizing the gas is mounted on a gas pipe connecting the rotary joint and the filling fluid tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hiroya, Kenji Mizukawa, Hirofumi Sato, Shingo Wada, Tsuyoshi Akimoto, Yoshihisa Tachibana
  • Patent number: 7650915
    Abstract: A method for removing vapor within a heat pipe includes providing a predetermined amount of working fluid injected into the heat pipe. An opening is reserved at one end of the heat pipe. The opening is communicated with a vacuum environment. The communication between the opening and the vacuum environment is normally disconnected, such that at the instant the communication is connected ,the vacuum level of the vacuum environment is maintained at a certain range. The communication between the opening of the heat pipe and the vacuum environment is intermittently connected for several times. Within the duration while the communication between the opening and the vacuum environment is connected, the working fluid is evaporated without being boiled and vapor is exhausted from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Hul-Chun Hsu
  • Patent number: 7647951
    Abstract: A vapor recovery system recovers fuel vapor and includes a vapor recovery line for transporting a stream of fuel vapor from a vehicle tank. A flow meter is arranged in the vapor recovery line for indicating the flow rate of the stream of fuel vapor, and a heated element is arranged in the vapor recovery line. One or more controllers are configured to: detect a cooling exerted on the heated element by the stream of fuel vapor, determine a correction for the detected cooling by weighting said cooling with the flow rate, and decrease or stop the stream of fuel vapor, if the detected cooling is smaller than a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Bengt I. Larsson, Marie Hakansson, Richard Karlsson
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090288644
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one venting device which is connected to a fuel vapor filter, wherein the venting device includes at least one collecting container for receiving liquid fuel. The fuel tank is distinguished in that disposed within the collecting container is a delivery pump for emptying it into the delivery volume of the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Wolfgang Gebert, Thomas Schafer
  • Patent number: 7621898
    Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Brent S. Lalomia, Stephen J. Reasoner, Stephen P. Isham, Chamara Gamhewage, Mark A. Wasserman, Glen D. Rocque, Troy E. Durnell, Grant T. Westphal, Brian MacLachlan
  • Patent number: 7600541
    Abstract: A fluid supply system is provided which includes a filling station operable to provide a fluid to a fuel storage vessel. The fluid supply system is operable in a first mode to provide a fluid in a liquid phase from the filling station to the storage vessel and is operable in a second mode to prevent the supply of the fluid to the storage vessel. The storage vessel is in fluid communication with the fluid supply system and is operable to receive the fluid in the liquid phase when the fluid supply system is in the first mode and discharge the fluid in a gaseous phase to the filling station. At least one sensor is in communication with the discharge passage and the fluid supply, and operates to cause the fluid supply to operate in the second mode in response to a detected pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Rainer Pechtold
  • Publication number: 20090242073
    Abstract: A method for filling a battery cell with electrolyte, comprising: a) connecting the battery cell and a lower portion of a fill head chamber connected through respective first, second, third and fourth valves to a source of high pressure, the free atmosphere, a source of high vacuum and optionally a source of low vacuum, wherein only one of said valves can be open at any time, while said second valve is open; b) opening said third valve for a predetermined first period to discharge air from the interior of said battery cell through said chamber; c) separating the major upper portion of said chamber from the lower portion thereof by a sliding shut-off plunger and opening said second valve; d) dispensing a prescribed amount of electrolyte into said upper portion of said chamber above said plunger, while keeping said second valve open; e) raising said plunger to let a major portion of said dispensed liquid be sucked into said battery cell under the effect of the vacuum established therein in step b) and allowi
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Hibar Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Bill Reschke
  • Patent number: 7591288
    Abstract: A fuel feeder includes a fuel reserve body reserving a fuel, a fuel feed unit feeding the fuel in the fuel reserve body to electric equipment, and a control unit controlling the fuel feed unit, wherein the control unit obtains equipment information from by the electric equipment and operates the fuel feed unit to feed the fuel to the electric equipment after the control unit has performed authentication of the electric equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Bitoh
  • Publication number: 20090199914
    Abstract: Provided herein are couplings useful in the transfer of liquid fuels from a remote storage reservoir to an on-board fuel tank of a motorized vehicle. There is provided a first coupling which is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of a vehicle's fuel tank, and a second coupling which is intended to be in fluid communication with the contents of a remote fuel storage reservoir. The disclosure also includes a process for charging a fuel reservoir on board of a motorized vehicle from a remote reservoir, wherein the vapor in the fuel reservoir is displaced by an equal volume of fuel delivered from said remote reservoir, and wherein the vapor in said fuel reservoir is simultaneously caused to be transferred to said remote reservoir, thus permitting no escape of the vapor from said fuel reservoir to the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Basil B. Tilling, Robert L. Schultz, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090194189
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling a receptacle (200) with carbon nanotubes from another receptacle (106) whereby the CNTs are passed from one receptacle to the other by means of a coupling (300) comprising a double-valve device (30), each valve being coupled to one of the receptacles, the valves (31, 32) closing independently and tightly and being openable only when they are coupled to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Arkema France
    Inventors: Serge Bordere, Patrice Gaillard
  • Publication number: 20090194192
    Abstract: A portable fluid exchange system comprises a source container, a liquid and vapor pump for pumping liquid from the source container to the destination container and for pumping vapor from the destination container to the source container. The liquid inlet and vapor outlets of the liquid and vapor pump are connected in fluid communication with the source container. A liquid delivery hose delivers liquid from the pump to the destination container. A vapor delivery hose delivers vapor from the destination container to the pump. A selectively controllable actuation mechanism actuates the liquid and vapor pump to thereby concurrently pump liquid from the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid outlet and vapor into the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor inlet, and concurrently pump vapor from the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor outlet and liquid into the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: MARK BONNER
  • Patent number: 7566358
    Abstract: A carbon canister to adsorb hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon air mixture in a UST system to prevent fugitive emissions due to overpressurization. The carbon canister has an inlet port at one end coupled to the UST system. An outlet port on the opposite end of the canister is connected to a flow-limiting orifice with a known calibrated flow rate that vents in a controlled fashion to the atmosphere. When UST pressure rises slightly above ambient pressure, fuel vapors and air from the UST system enters, via the inlet port, into the canister, where hydrocarbons are adsorbed onto the surface of the activated carbon. The cleansed air vents through the controlled flow outlet port to atmosphere, thereby preventing excessive positive pressure from occurring in the UST system. The activated carbon is purged of hydrocarbons by means of reverse air flow caused by negative UST pressures that occur during periods of ORVR vehicle refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Hart, Kent Reid
  • Patent number: 7527065
    Abstract: A double-walled flexible dispenser sump connection system prevents fuel leaks into a dispenser sump located below a fuel dispenser. An inner flexible connector and an outer flexible connector are configured such that the dispenser sump connection system may be installed on newly constructed fuel delivery systems or be retrofitted onto existing fuel delivery systems in order to bring them into compliance with recently environmental regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Flex-Ing, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20090101229
    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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: MATTIAS MARTENSSON, BENGT I. LARSSON
  • Patent number: 7509982
    Abstract: A fueling and associated vapor recovery system maintains the same, or lower, vacuum level in the vapor hose during ORVR vehicle refueling as that seen during a non-ORVR refueling. A valve assembly is made as either a part of the end of the vapor recovery hose assembly, a separate unit that is placed between the hose assembly and the nozzle, or incorporated directly into the nozzle. The valve assembly is biased to one position by a spring to which is attached a sliding valve member. The force of the spring is sufficient to keep the valve member in the original position when refueling non-ORVR vehicles so that the vapor hose is unobstructed and an air bleed hole is closed. When refueling an ORVR vehicle, the elevated vacuum level moves the valve member to a second position which blocks off the vapor hose from the vacuum pump and opens up the vapor hose to the air bleed hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Vapor Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 7503354
    Abstract: A powder filling nozzle is used for filling up a container with a powder mixed with a gas and in a fluidized state. The power filling nozzle comprises a tubular body having an opening for discharging the powder in the fluidized state into the container, and a gas separating unit disposed near the opening of the tubular body and allowing the gas delivered together with the powder in the tubular body to pass through the gas separating unit but not allowing the powder to pass through the gas separating unit. The gas separating unit serves to set the opening in a plugged state by the powder separated from the gas, so that the delivery of the powder from the tubular body into the container is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirosato Amano
  • Publication number: 20090032136
    Abstract: A fluid-distribution system includes a plurality of fluid-distribution nodes with three-way ports attached to bleed/flush lines and alternate ports attached to vacuum lines. A first pump is used to draw new brake fluid from a new fluid container, push it through the manifold and ports, and through the bleed/flush lines. Fluid flow through the ports is selectively controlled by a computing device. In this manner, a vehicle's brake system including individual brake lines and ABS systems, may be flushed in a prescribed sequence. The vacuum lines are connected to a second pump via alternate ports of the sequential control valve manifold and may be used evacuated air and contaminated brake fluid from the vehicle's bleeder valves or master cylinder. Additionally, the bleed/flush lines may be connected to the alternate ports during priming or purging of the system. This also facilitates storage of the bleed lines as it prevents brake fluid from spilling and prevents air from entering the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Jon A. Petty
  • Publication number: 20090007983
    Abstract: A fuel vapor and energy conservation system includes one or more liquid fuel storage tanks connected to at least one fuel dispenser for delivering liquid fuel to vehicle fuel tanks and a motor/generator set powered by the evaporated fuel vapor and/or liquid fuel, used alone or in combination to generate electrical power. In some implementations, the fuel vapor and energy conservation system also includes a vapor conservation system with a tank defining a tank volume and a bladder disposed within the tank volume and defining a bladder volume for receiving fuel vapor from the ullage space, the tank and the bladder defining an air space external of the bladder, with a system of vapor conduit for conducting evaporated fuel vapor between the ullage space and the bladder volume and a system of air conduit for conducting air into and out of the air space external of the bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: James W. Healy
  • Patent number: 7467649
    Abstract: A refueling receiver includes an inlet configured to receive a nozzle. A control valve piston is connected to the inlet to allow flow from the inlet to the control valve piston. The control valve piston has an inlet side and an outlet side. An outlet is provided having an outlet fitting and a return fitting. The outlet fitting is connected to the inlet to allow flow from the inlet to the outlet fitting. A sensor is provided having an input connected to the outlet fitting, and an output connected to the return fitting to allow flow from the outlet fitting to said return fitting through the sensor. A pilot valve is in communication with the return fitting to control a pressure differential between the inlet side and the outlet side to move said control valve piston into a first position to allow flow out of the receiver, and a second position to prevent flow from leaving the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Adel Wiggins Group
    Inventors: Matt Luntz, Thomas B. Rose
  • Publication number: 20080276853
    Abstract: A fuel fill port that helps prevent spillage of fuel during watercraft fueling includes a housing having an opening for installation on a surface of the watercraft and a cap for sealing the opening. A fill tube has one end sized to accept a fuel dispensing nozzle and another end for connection to a fuel tank. A catch basin defined by a bottom portion of the housing is positioned such that backflow of fuel from the fill tube collects within the catch basin. A fill vent has one end positioned relative the fill tube to allow excess fuel from the fuel tank to flow into the catch basin and another end adapted for connection to the fuel tank. One or more passages from the catch basin to the fuel tank guides fuel from the catch basin to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Alex W. Dorst
  • Publication number: 20080271811
    Abstract: A passive method for conserving fuel vapor by connecting the ullage space of the liquid fuel storage tanks to a bladder in a vapor conservation tank; connecting the ullage space of a liquid fuel delivery vehicle to air space of the vapor conservation tank, external of the bladder; delivering liquid fuel from the delivery vehicle into the liquid fuel storage tanks, the liquid fuel displacing fuel vapor from the storage tanks; delivering displaced fuel vapor into the bladder, the delivered fuel vapor inflating the bladder and displacing air from the air space of the vapor conservation tank, external of the bladder; and, thereafter, over time, delivering fuel vapor from the bladder into ullage space of the fuel storage tanks, replacing the volume of liquid fuel delivered from the fuel storage tanks into vehicle fuel tanks. A passive system for conserving fuel vapor is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: James W. Healy
  • Patent number: 7445033
    Abstract: Device and method for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and laser resealing a resulting needle hole in the device. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation. The needle penetrable and laser resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and includes a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20080210333
    Abstract: A protective cover for a filler neck is designed to discriminate between different sizes of fuel nozzles. The cover includes a body portion and a movable door that covers and exposes an opening in the filler neck. The body portion has a pair of spaced body protrusions that form a gate, and the door has a ledge that may also be formed by a pair of spaced door protrusions. The protrusions on the door can be easily moved to an open position by pressing a tip of a fuel nozzle against the protrusions. The gate and the ledge are configured so that they can accommodate the fuel nozzle for only one type of fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert P. Benjey, Paul D. Walkowski, Russell C. Jahnke, Andrew W. McIntosh, David Adam Deboskey
  • Publication number: 20080178961
    Abstract: A liquid crystal plate for storing a liquid crystal material for simultaneously injecting it into a plurality of liquid crystal panels and liquid crystal injection apparatus and method using such liquid crystal plate are disclosed. The liquid crystal plate has a recess for storing the liquid crystal material and a pair of raised members such as ribs, baffles or the like at both end portions of the recess in parallel with the outermost liquid crystal panels. The raised members have the height at least equal to the top surface of the liquid crystal material filled in the recess for maintaining the liquid crystal characteristics of the liquid crystal material injected into the plurality of liquid crystal panels substantially uniform regardless of the location in a cassette.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: NEC LCD TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Terunobu Iio, Takanori Kondo
  • Patent number: 7404414
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing tool includes parallel spaced first and second manifolds supporting therebetween an elongated actuator unit having a tubular body confining a piston connected to move a valve actuator stem projecting into a releasable coupler mounted on the second manifold. The manifolds also support therebetween a plurality of elongated valve units each having a tubular valve body defining a valve chamber and a chamber receiving a piston connected to move an elongated valve member. Each valve body has a port for receiving a corresponding fluid supply line or an evacuation line. The first manifold has separate passages connecting air control lines to the piston chambers for moving the actuator stem and each valve member axially. The second manifold has a fluid passage connecting each valve chamber to the coupler, and a handle supports the tool and a finger actuator connected to the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Production Control Units, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy S. Robinson, Glenn C. Danner, Matthew A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080173371
    Abstract: A liquid filled pressure/vacuum valve for underground storage tanks has a body having an inlet coupled to the UST and an outlet coupled to atmosphere. The valve has a suction zone disposed in the body and fluidly coupled to the inlet. The valve has a pressure zone disposed in the body and fluidly coupled to the outlet, with the suction zone in fluid communication with the pressure zone. The valve has a separator disposed in fluid communication with the outlet and the pressure zone, and a fluid that flows between the suction zone and pressure zone. The flow of fluid is determined by an increased force due to a pressure differential between the suction zone and pressure zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Beaudreau Electric, Inc.
    Inventors: Thompson W. Wyper, M. Daniel McGill
  • Publication number: 20080142111
    Abstract: This invention provides a fuel tank venting system for regulating the discharge of fuel vapors and of liquid fuel from a fuel tank. The fuel tank venting system includes fuel vapor vent tubes that are fully enclosed within the system and exit the fuel tank at a common location. Because the fuel vapor vent tubes are fully enclosed within the system, vent valves are not required at each vent point and permeation resistant tubing is not required. In this fuel tank venting system fuel is prevented from reaching the fuel vapor recovery canister under normal operating conditions and the fuel filler pipe serves as a liquid/vapor discriminator. In another embodiment the vent vapor tube does not extend beyond the highest fuel level in the fuel filler pipe because the fuel filler pipe pressure is lower than the fuel tank pressure due to the fuel filler pipe connectivity to the canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Osterbrink, Paul Luft
  • Publication number: 20080128048
    Abstract: An onboard inert gas generation system includes an evaporator comprising a vessel that receives a hydrocarbon fuel from a fuel tank, separates vapor fuel components from liquid fuel components, establishes a nearly constant fuel vapor composition, and outputs the fuel vapor to be mixed with air prior to combusting the fuel vapor and air mixture in a catalytic reactor. Water is separated from the inert gas produced and the inert gas is introduced into the ullage space of the fuel tank to prevent or reduce possible hazardous conditions in the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: RUSSELL W. JOHNSON, REHAN ZAKI, STEPHEN F. YATES
  • Publication number: 20080105329
    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: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 7360565
    Abstract: A fuel overflow prevention device for minimizing or eliminating fuel spillage during fuel storage container filling. The device may also minimize or eliminate some types of fuel spillage after filling. The device includes an overflow prevention chamber for receiving therein fluid from a fuel storage container vent tube. The overflow prevention chamber also includes a space for removably receiving and retaining therein the spout of an automatic shutoff fuel nozzle including a sensor port. A flow restriction interface is established between an interior portion of the overflow prevention chamber and the exit port of the spout. Fluid received from the vent tube into the overflow prevention chamber fills the space until covering the sensor port to a level sufficient to trigger automatic nozzle shutoff. The device optionally includes a vent tube extension to aid in regulating the fuel level within the container at which nozzle shutoff is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: University of Maine System
    Inventors: Michael Peterson, Stephen Ergmann, Stefan Scarks, William Dow
  • Patent number: 7357161
    Abstract: A brake fluid flush machine to simultaneously supply fresh brake fluid and vacuum used brake fluid in a vehicle's braking system while being controlled by a processor to allow a single worker to complete the fluid exchange operation. The machine has a used fluid tank, a new fluid tank, a manifold connectable to four secondary brake cylinders corresponding to a front driver's side wheel, a front passenger's side wheel; a rear driver's side wheel, and a rear passenger's side wheel, a suction pump connecting the manifold to said used fluid tank for draining used brake fluid from said four secondary brake cylinders, a pressure pump connecting the new fluid tank to the master cylinder, and a processor. The processor controls the fluid exchange by sequentially opening and closing valves that couple the four secondary brake cylinders with the suction pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Michael Flournoy
  • Patent number: 7343682
    Abstract: Fluid-dynamic-pressure bearing manufacturing method for more efficient and fail-safe degassing of bearing oil. Method makes it possible to prevent the generation of air bubbles in the course of an oil-charging operation that amounts to a step following degassing, and to single out the causative source of air bubbles when their generation has been detected. At the same time oil that is under a reduced-pressure environment within an oil-storing vacuum chamber is vacuum-degassed, immersed within the oil a stirrer for agitating and degassing the oil is rotated by indirect drive means, and the oil after having been degassed is supplied to a vacuum chamber where a fluid-dynamic-pressure bearing unit is retained—which has been pumped down to a pressure below the pressure within the oil-storing vacuum chamber—and is charged into the bearing clearances by raising the internal pressure of the bearing-retaining vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nidec Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeharu Sumi, Jyoichi Hiroshi, Hironori Ando
  • Patent number: 7325577
    Abstract: A tank venting system includes a diaphragm valve movable to open and close a passageway leading to a fuel tank. The system also includes a fuel vapor recovery canister used to adsorb hydrocarbons associated with fuel vapor flowing through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Devall
  • Patent number: 7322384
    Abstract: A hazardous fluid transfer system is automated for controlling transfer of hazardous fluid within a closed environment thus providing protection to an operator handling the transfer. The hazardous fluid is transferred from a source container to a target container using a processor controlled pump responsive to flow and pressure within a liquid line. A pre-programmed processor receives pressure and flow signals from transducers monitoring the liquid line. The processor actuates a valve within a vapor line between the source and target containers in response to pressure within the target container. The valve is opened for allowing vapor to accumulate within an accumulator during a filling of the target container and closed for causing the accumulator to force vapor stored in the accumulator into the source container, thus transferring the liquid from the source container to the target container while maintaining fluid transfer within the closed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Adapco, Inc.
    Inventors: Avron L. Bryan, Larry D. Heller
  • Publication number: 20070267089
    Abstract: A gasoline vapor treating system includes a single hydrocarbon filter apparatus interconnected to a fuel tank having a range of vapor pressures therein, said filter apparatus receiving hydrocarbon vapors from said tank for one vapor pressure in said fuel tank and said filter apparatus delivering air and hydrocarbon vapor to said tank from said filter responsive to another vapor pressure in said tank lower than said one vapor pressure, said filter operated serially between hydrocarbon loading and hydrocarbon unloading cycles without reference to any other hydrocarbon removal apparatus. A balance nozzle includes a mechanism to mechanically operate a vapor valve therein before the fuel valve is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: John Matthew Gray, Timothy M. Garrison
  • Patent number: 7296600
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing having a valve seat defining at least part of a vent passage, a pressure responsive member carried by the housing and defining at least part of a pressure chamber, and a valve carried by the housing and having a closure movable relative to the valve seat between an open position permitting fluid flow through the vent passage and a closed position at least substantially restricting fluid flow through the vent passage. The closure is moved by the pressure responsive member in response to changes in pressure in the pressure chamber. A control passage communicates at one end with a pressure source and at its other end with the pressure chamber and an electrically operated valve is movable from a first position permitting a pressure signal to develop within the pressure chamber and a second position permitting pressure within the pressure chamber to vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David M. Ferreria, John R. Forgue, Mark R. Johansen
  • Patent number: 7296709
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for providing improved freestanding capabilities and improved automatic shutoff of the system upon returning a nozzle to a nozzle holster after use. The fluid dispensing system includes a portable stand and self-contained power source. The system further includes a holster switch using a sliding panel to ensure shutoff of the system upon placement of the dispensing hose in a dispensing hose holster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Harlan D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7287542
    Abstract: A vapor vent/tipping valve has a diaphragm with a bleed therethrough responsive to the differential pressure of bleed flow to control vapor venting to the canister and vapor recirculation to the filler tube. A dip tube causes rising fuel in the tank to close the dip tube and prevent vapor flow to the diaphragm bleed thereby starving the recirculation line and allowing nozzle discharge to create a vacuum in the filler and effect nozzle shutoff. Alternatively, float operated shutoff valves may be employed in the dip tube and vapor vent chamber inlet, the shutoff valves may include inertial members for closing the float valves to afford tipping/rollover protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Harold Allman, Daniel Lee Pifer, Russell Carl Jahnke
  • Patent number: 7281551
    Abstract: Device for drawing off hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic brake circuit of a vehicle/refilling the circuit with hydraulic fluid, and bleeding air from hydraulic fluid in the circuit. A pneumatic circuit having line elements from a compressed air connection to a compressed air-driven hydraulic pump, which is coupled into a hydraulic circuit to generate excess pressure and vacuum. A first brake fluid connection for the connection to a brake fluid reservoir or a bleed nipple on any vehicle wheel brake; a second brake fluid connection for drawing off old brake fluid from the brake circuit via the hydraulic circuit; and a third brake fluid connection for supplying fresh brake fluid to the vehicle brake circuit via the hydraulic circuit. A two-way valve, which opens a connection for extracting old brake fluid from the brake fluid reservoir, and opens a connection for refilling the brake fluid reservoir with fresh brake fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Räto Mengelt
  • Publication number: 20070227616
    Abstract: A system and method for filling hydrodynamic bearings with fluid are disclosed. The fluid filling system of the present invention includes a fluid storage tank to store fluid therein, a vacuum vessel to receive a hydrodynamic bearing therein, a fluid dispenser for connecting the fluid storage tank to the vacuum vessel and dripping the fluid into a micro-gap of the hydrodynamic bearing, a pump connected both to the fluid storage tank and to the vacuum vessel and separately exhausting air from both the fluid storage tank and the vacuum vessel to the outside, and a nitrogen storage tank for separately controlling pressure in both the fluid storage tank and the vacuum vessel, wherein the fluid storage tank is pressurized using nitrogen such that the pressure in the fluid storage tank becomes higher than the pressure in the vacuum vessel, thus causing the fluid to move to the vacuum vessel and to be dripped into the hydrodynamic bearing received in the vacuum vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Tae Hyeong Lim, Dong Kil Son
  • Publication number: 20070227615
    Abstract: A system and method for filling hydrodynamic bearings with fluid is disclosed. The fluid filling system 100 of the present invention includes a vacuum vessel 110 for receiving the hydrodynamic bearing 10 therein, a pump 111 hermetically connected to the vacuum vessel 110 and exhausting air from the vacuum vessel 110 to the outside, an ultrasonic generator 140 for generating vibrations in the vacuum vessel 110, and a fluid dispenser 120 for dripping the fluid into the hydrodynamic bearing 10. When air is exhausted from the vacuum vessel 110 to the atmosphere by the pump 111, the hydrodynamic bearing 10 is vibrated by the ultrasonic generator 140 and air is exhausted from a micro-gap 13 between the shaft 11 and sleeve 12 of the bearing 10 to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Hyeong Lim, Ho Kyung Jang
  • Patent number: 7270154
    Abstract: A fuel storage and dispensing system is provided that is effective in reducing the emission of harmful volatile organic compounds. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel storage and dispensing system is provided comprising at least one storage tank, an air exhaust port, at least one fuel dispenser, a fuel dispensing nozzle, a rigid, fuel dispensing spout, a boot, a pressure relief chamber, a filter system, and at least one pump. The rigid, fuel dispensing spout further defines a non-coaxial fuel tube. The boot is configured to maintain a sufficient level of vacuum within the fuel storage and dispensing system. The boot is further configured to prevent fresh air from entering the fuel dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Vapor Systems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn K. Walker, Rodger P. Grantham, Ken Allen
  • 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: 7258142
    Abstract: A gas recirculation system at a filling station is controlled during a refuelling process by generating a corrective control signal used for the next refuelling process, to actuate the gas recirculation system and control the gas volume flow, based on the fuel volume flow signal and the gas volume flow signal as well as optionally further signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Fafnir GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Willmer, Stefan Kunter, Christian Maurer, Wolfgang Schrittenlacher
  • Patent number: 7255136
    Abstract: A gas recovery system designed to recover vent gas emanating from a gas processing system and return the gas to the processing system. The gas recovery system includes a pressurized motive gas that is directed through a vacuum generating apparatus. The vacuum suctions the vent gas into the vacuum generating apparatus and mixes the vent gas with the motive gas to create a mixed gas stream. The mixed gas stream is transported away from the vacuum generating apparatus by a mixed gas outlet line. A vent gas pressure regulator is fluidly connected between the vent gas supply line and the mixed gas outlet line. The vent gas pressure regulator maintains the vent gas supply line pressure above a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Templet, Ernest B. McCurdy