With Filling With Fluent Non-gaseous Materials Patents (Class 141/5)
  • Patent number: 6279622
    Abstract: A system and a method for delivering and metering a fixed volume of liquid, such as a liquid sterilant from a container into a vaporization system. The method for the delivering system includes the steps of sensing a requirement for additional liquid sterilant, determining whether the liquid sterilant to be added is acceptable for use, and delivering the liquid sterilant from a container into an accumulator. The method of metering the liquid sterilant into the vaporization system includes creating a vacuum in a chamber connected to the vaporizer and delivering the liquid sterilant into a vaporizer while continually sensing the flow of the delivery. The metering system maintains a slow, controlled flow in order to achieve efficient vaporization of the liquid sterilant and to provide accurate sensing of the gas/liquid interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Ngoc Nguyen, Ross G. Krogh, James P. Kohler, Curtis H. Felt, Remigio Guinto
  • Patent number: 6257287
    Abstract: A motor vehicle fuel fill pipe shut-off device includes a fuel shut-off valve normally closed relative to a valve seat and disposed in a path of fuel flow through the fuel fill pipe of the motor vehicle to a fuel tank thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley N. Kippe, Emil Szlaga
  • Patent number: 6253801
    Abstract: An air and gas vessel (1) having a downward opening is mounted within a tank (10, 20) for transport of liquid, e.g., oil. From the top side of the vessel runs a conduit (2) toward the inlet of the bridging hose (5) to the next tank. The conduit (2) may be closed by means of a cock (3). When the tank is filled with liquid from level A with the cock (3) closed, a volume will be stored in the vessel (1) when the tank is filled to level B. In order to drain the bridging hose (5), the cock (3) is opened. The confined air/gas volume will use up into the bridging hose (5) and the liquid volume will run back into the tank. The tanks may then be closed by means of the cocks (4) prior to starting the transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Green Trac Holding A/S
    Inventor: Svein Olaf Lie
  • Patent number: 6237645
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to prevent fuel spillage from a fuel tank vent used with a boat mounted fuel tank having a filler tube leading thereto from a fuel filler fitting mounted to a surface of the boat and a vent line leading from the fuel tank to a vent extending through the hull of the boat. A member having a hollow interior and a removable closure member is mounted substantially flush with a surface of the boat and in close proximity to the fuel filler fitting. The member has a fitting in the interior thereof which is connected to a first section of vent tube leading from the fuel tank. The interior of the member is also connected to a second section of vent tube that leads to the vent extending through the hull of the boat. When the closure is on the member, the interior of the fuel tank is in communication with the vent. When the boat is to be fueled, the cap is removed from the member and a fuel overflow container is connected to the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: David B. Pountney
  • Patent number: 6234216
    Abstract: A pipe with a plurality of gas outlet apertures is inserted inside a fill pipe of a liquid storage tank. The fill pipe has an outlet normally covered by the tank contents. The gas pipe conveys the gaseous contents of the fill pipe to a separate outlet as refilling liquid is introduced into the fill pipe. This allows the gas inside the fill pipe to be separately vented from the fill pipe without disturbing the liquid contents of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Denby
  • Patent number: 6234215
    Abstract: An apparatus for adding coolant to a cooling system of a motor vehicle includes a cap with a resilient sleeve that expands against the inside wall of a radiator filler neck to provide an air-tight connection. A valve attached to the cap controls the flow of air and coolant through the cap. A gauge on the cap indicates the pressure inside the radiator. A venturi assembly connected to the valve provides a source of vacuum for evacuating air from the cooling system. Thereafter, coolant is drawn through the cap by the vacuum created in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: UView Ultraviolet Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Klamm
  • Patent number: 6213165
    Abstract: A method for filling an electrical device with a multi-component insulating filler, including the steps of: mixing at least two components of insulating filler each with compressible microspheres; measuring at regular intervals a viscosity of each of the at least two components of insulating filler mixed with the microspheres until each of the at least two components of insulating filler have a substantially uniform viscosity; mixing the at least two components of insulating filler together in order to obtain a multi-component insulating filler; extracting air present in a free volume V of the electrical device using a vacuum pump; filling the free volume V of the electrical device with the multi-component insulating filler until the free volume V of the electrical device is completely filled; and injecting an additional amount of the multi-component insulating filler in order to develop overpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Cesare Guida, Manuela Signorelli, Mario Pregnolato, Andrea Catenacci
  • Patent number: 6207083
    Abstract: The specification discloses electrochemichromic solutions and devices based on the use of solvents comprising at least about 25% 3-hydroxypropionitrile, 3,3′-oxydipropionitrile, 2-acetylbutyrolactone, 2-methylglutaronitrile, 3-methylsulfolane and mixtures thereof. The specification also discloses vacuum backfilling techniques for filling electrochemichromic cells and enhanced UV stability through solvent self-screening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Hamid R. Habibi, Niall R. Lynam, Padma Desaraju
  • Patent number: 6202707
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for unloading a plurality of containers containing pressurized liquefied gas in which the liquefied gas has a temperature above −112° C. A pressurized displacement liquid is fed to a first of the plurality of containers to discharge the pressurized liquefied gas therefrom. The displacement liquid is then pumped from the first container to a second container of the plurality of containers to discharge liquefied gas therefrom. As the displacement liquid is removed from the first container, the space caused by the removal of the displacement liquid is filled with a vapor at a lower pressure than the pressure of displacement liquid. Fluid communication between the first second containers is then severed and the above steps are repeated for all containers in succession, except that for the last container in the series the displacement liquid is pumped therefrom to an auxiliary container for storage rather than to another container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Robert M. Woodall, Moses Minta
  • Patent number: 6204909
    Abstract: A device and method for injecting liquid crystal material into a liquid crystal cell. The device includes a container for holding the liquid crystal material and a stand disposed in the container. The stand has an upper surface and at least one side having a plurality of furrows formed therein. The liquid crystal material is transported by capillary action to the upper surface where it is contacted with an injection hole of the cell. The method provides for removal of air from the liquid crystal material and injection of the liquid crystal material in an isotropic state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Uk Jung, Ki-Chul Shin, Bum-Soo Kam
  • Patent number: 6199600
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for injecting working liquid into a micro-injecting device and a method for injecting the working liquid into the micro-injecting device. A container filled with the working liquid is in a vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum device, a plurality of cartridges having micro-injecting devices are inserted into the container and the working liquid in the container is filled into heating chambers of each micro-injecting device. Accordingly, the total manufacturing processes can be simplified so as to increase a production yield and the total manufacturing time of the products can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-sun Ahn, Lavrishev Vadim Petrovich, Dunaev Boris Nikolaevich
  • Patent number: 6192947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary filling machine with injection of inert gas for filling containers with liquids, comprising a rotating platform (2) provided peripherally with a plurality of filling valve assemblies (3), each of which is provided with a duct (4) for supplying the liquid from a storage tank (6) to a container (7) to be filled. Each valve assembly (3) comprises in particular a blow-in pipe (23) provided with an outlet mouth (60) connected to the bottom end of said duct (4), so as to introduce inert gas inside the container (7) in order to reduce the presence of oxygen which may be absorbed by part of the liquid during a step involving filling of the container (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: MBF S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mauro Ballan, Remigio Boscaro, Pierluigi Allegro
  • Patent number: 6189578
    Abstract: A filling system for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid product under counter pressure has a plurality of filling elements. Each filling element has a liquid valve for the controlled dispensing of the product as well as a plurality of gas ducts realized in a housing, by means of which ducts at least three separate and individually controlled control valves for each filling element can be controlled so that a wide variety of processes can be conducted for the bottling of the product, and namely merely by varying the actuation of the control valves or by varying a corresponding program for a microprocessor-assisted or computer-assisted control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Patent number: 6179015
    Abstract: In order to further accelerate a pourable product (4) falling into a fill pipe (2) or in order to compress the particle cluster of the product (4), it is suggested to blow air in timed intervals into the fill pipe (2). An air flap (13) is operated for this purpose in a pipe (11) between a blower (10) and the fill pipe (2) by means of a drive 14. A control device (15) controls the drive (14) dependent on a packaging parameter, for example, at a point in time when the product (4) is in a position of the free fall, which position is recognized by a sensor (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Rovema Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Roman Kammler, Georg Koppenwallner, Walter Baur
  • Patent number: 6181408
    Abstract: A manufacturing tool and method for enhancing the speed with which display panels can be filled with the requisite liquid crystal is described. In essence, the panel walls are expanded by compression of opposite edges to provide a wider channel for the liquid to flow resulting in a substantial increase in the mass transfer of the liquid crystal per unit time thereby enhancing the panel throughput rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Jacob von Gutfeld, Evan George Colgan, Shui-Chih Alan Lien
  • Patent number: 6167920
    Abstract: A method for actuating an onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) valve to selectively enable passage of fuel vapor from a fuel tank to a collection canister for the fuel vapor. The method includes determining whether a filling event is occurring and determining a fuel level within the fuel tank. The ORVR valve is selectively opened and closed in connection with whether a fueling event occurs and whether the fuel tank is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Trevor L. Enge
  • Patent number: 6164343
    Abstract: A method of verifying an encapsulation of quick-setting adhesive in a small hermetically sealed reservoir cup from which the adhesive is dispensed on depression of a reservoir piston sealing the mouth of the reservoir cup. The method includes feeding a group of small reservoir cups to a filling station, determining an alignment of the group of small reservoir cups within the filling station, and flooding the interior of each cup at the station with cure preventing gas, if the group of small reservoir cups is determined to be aligned. The method further includes depositing a predetermined amount of quick-setting adhesive into each of the reservoir cups, immediately after flooding, and inserting a piston into each of the reservoir cups on top of the adhesive while flooding. The method involves the use of an apparatus for encapsulating the adhesive in the reservoir cups with the piston. The method ensures that the apparatus will properly encapsulate the quick-setting adhesive in each reservoir cup as designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Theodore Sweeney & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore J. Sweeney, Jr., Drew J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6155312
    Abstract: Methods and devices for dispensing fluids are provided, including a method of dispensing a fluid into an elongated chamber having a bottom that is at least partially closed. The method includes (a) inserting a dispensing tube into the chamber until a delivery end of the tube is adjacent the bottom of the chamber; (b) dispensing a predetermined quantity of the fluid through the delivery end into the chamber; and (c) moving the delivery end away from the bottom of the chamber, during dispensing, at a rate that maintains the delivery end on the surface of the fluid in the chamber throughout dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Brian J. Bosy
  • Patent number: 6135165
    Abstract: A pressurized package of paint additives is prepared by mixing water, emulsion, stabilizers and a propellant in a pressurizable container. This pressurized container is then sold to retail stores where a water borne paint composition is injected into the pressurized container and sold directly to the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Seymour of Sycamore, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Zanellato, John W. Lovell
  • 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: 6076565
    Abstract: An adhesive fastener for securement to a substrate which has a reservoir comprising a reservoir cup and a piston located therein blocking entry of atmospheric water vapor and preventing unintentional leakage of adhesive from the reservoir and a wall portion of the reservoir may be displaced to prevent hydraulic lock as the piston is pushed into the reservoir during assembly of the fastener and also when the fastener is being deployed against the substrate. Apparatus and a method of filling the reservoir cups and inserting pistons therein while excluding atmospheric water vapor is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Theodore Sweeney & Company
    Inventors: Engelbert A. Meyer, Drew J. Smith, Theodore J. Sweeney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6047747
    Abstract: Systems are provided for vehicular, land-based distribution of pressurized liquefied natural gas at a pressure of about 1035 kPa (150 psia) to about 7590 kPa (1100 psia) and at a temperature of about -123.degree. C. (-190.degree. F.) to about -62.degree. C. (-80.degree. F.). The systems include at least one container that is constructed from an ultra-high strength, low alloy steel containing less than 9 wt % nickel and having a tensile strength greater than 830 MPa (120 ksi) and a DBTT lower than about -73.degree. C. (-100.degree. F.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Ronald R. Bowen, Moses Minta
  • Patent number: 6047744
    Abstract: This invention concerns a manifold for use in refill of canister containing chemicals. The manifold may comprise a vacuum supply valve; a vacuum generator; a pressure vent valve; a gas inlet valve; a bypass valve; an isolation valve; a control valve; a canister inlet valve; a canister outlet valve; a canister inlet coupler, and a canister outlet coupler. In the manifold the vacuum supply valve may be connected to the vacuum generator; the vacuum generator may be connected to the pressure vent valve and the control valve; the gas inlet valve may be connected to pressure vent valve and bypass valve; the bypass valve may be further connected to the isolation valve and the canister inlet valve; the isolation valve may also be connected to the canister outlet valve. In addition, the canister inlet valve may be connected to control valve, the canister inlet coupler, and the canister outlet valve; and the canister outlet valve may be further connected to the canister inlet coupler and the canister outlet coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Delivery & Chemical Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6024139
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for injecting fluid such as sealing and balancing fluid into tires while they are inflated and mounted on wheels and especially for two tires mounted on a dual rim wheel. The invention overcomes problems of limited access to the valve stems and includes tools for bending the stem in place to facilitate application of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Robert P. McInnes
  • 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: 6019146
    Abstract: A multi-product fuel dispensing system is provided for dispensing a plurality of fuels stored in a plurality of reservoir tanks. A fuel delivery conduit delivers a specific grade of fuel from one or more of the reservoir tanks. The conduit includes at least two flow channels, one for conveying a first grade of fuel and another for conveying a second grade of fuel. A nozzle connected to the conduit includes a blend valve for each flow channel. The nozzle can deliver the first grade of fuel, the second grade of fuel or a third grade of fuel comprising a blend of the first and second grades of fuel. An ultrasonic flow meter is mounted in the nozzle to measure the flow of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6003547
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a container having an opening with a liquid includes a valve assembly, disposed in the opening of the container, and a nozzle assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing having a plug detachably mounted therein. An inlet passageway extends through the plug to the interior of the container. An inlet valve is located in the inlet passageway. A relief passageway also extends through the plug to the interior of the container, and a relief valve is located in the relief passageway. The nozzle assembly is coupled to a liquid supply and is adapted to matingly engage an inlet port of the valve assembly. The nozzle assembly engages the inlet port to allow liquid from the liquid supply to flow through the inlet passageway into the interior of the container, and opens the relief valve to vent the interior of the container during the filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Tippmann Pneumatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Tippmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6000230
    Abstract: A method for dividing and charging of a non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant filled in at least one refrigerant tank, comprising:a step of successively dividing and charging the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant filled in the refrigerant tank into a plurality of receivers while maintaining a vapor phase or a liquid phase of the refrigerant in the refrigerant tank in communication with a vapor phase of an adjustor refrigerant in at least one adjustor refrigerant container filled with the adjustor refrigerant having a composition substantially equivalent to that of the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Kiyomitsu Kanno, Toshio Haga
  • Patent number: 5983957
    Abstract: A container and method for transporting finely divided coal in rail cars or other cargo hauling vehicles, the container having a generally flexible and substantially oxygen impermeable barrier defining an encapsulated cavity. A port, including a coupling adapted to substantially prevent exposing the finely divided coal to oxygen, is positioned in the container for passing a flowable material through the barrier. The container also including a cap for sealing the port, a one-way pressure activated valve positioned in the barrier preventing gases in the cavity, and a harness for supporting the barrier and defining the shape of the cavity. The method generally having the initial steps of removing most of the oxygen from the cavity of the container, and adjusting the shape of the cavity to conform to the type of rail car that is being used to haul the finely divided coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: SEEC, Inc.
    Inventor: Stewart E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5983959
    Abstract: A head (14) intended to be mounted on the end of a transfer line comprising a downstream outlet orifice (39) for liquid. The device comprises an insulating central nozzle (40) in which there is formed a through-opening (44, 45) for the passage of the liquid, an outer chassis (56, 58) surrounding the central nozzle (40) and in which the latter can slide, means (16) of securing the chassis and the transfer line (12) together, and means (84) of elastic return which, in service, press the upstream end (45) of the through-opening (44, 45) of the nozzle against the periphery (38) of the downstream orifice (39) of the transfer line (12). Application to the distribution of liquid nitrogen into cans of preserves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Germain, Jean-Marie Disdier
  • Patent number: 5964254
    Abstract: This invention concerns a manifold for use in refill of canister containing chemicals. The manifold may comprise a vacuum supply valve; a vacuum generator; a pressure vent valve; a gas inlet valve; a bypass valve; an isolation valve; a control valve; a canister inlet valve; a canister outlet valve; a canister inlet coupler; and a canister outlet coupler. In the manifold the vacuum supply valve may be connected to the vacuum generator; the vacuum generator may be connected to the pressure vent valve and the control valve; the gas inlet valve may be connected to pressure vent valve and bypass valve; the bypass valve may be further connected to the isolation valve and the canister inlet valve; the isolation valve may also be connected to the canister outlet valve. In addition, the canister inlet valve may be connected to control valve, the canister inlet coupler, and the canister outlet valve; and the canister outlet valve may be further connected to the canister inlet coupler and the canister outlet coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Delivery & Chemical Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5931204
    Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a pulverulent material into a tire of a wheel assembly, through the valve stem thereof, without a large amount of operator time, effort, or intervention. The apparatus includes two main types of components--the mainframe component and one or more workstation components. Each workstation component serves as a location from which an operator of the apparatus introduces the pulverulent material into a tire and the mainframe component includes the a container for confining a predetermined amount of the pulverulent material and includes the other components required to dispense the pulverulent material into the container from a hopper or the like, and to evacuate the pulverulent material from the container and distribute the same out to a workstation through a suitable conduit where the pulverulent material is introduced into a tire. A method of introducing pulverulent material into a tire is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventors: Robert D. Fogal, Sr., Ray G. Buckles, Warren E. Schuessler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5911249
    Abstract: An apparatus for exposing product to a controlled environment includes a rail top, a rail base, and a longitudinally oriented gas limiting member including two sections connected at their longitudinal ends and providing a gap between the sections. The controlled environment gas may be provided to one longitudinal end of a baffle positioned in a channel region formed in the rail top. The gas is distributed along a longitudinally oriented baffle which is aligned with a gassing element positioned in the rail base. A T-shaped port block may be attached to the rail top and engage with a bracket and adjustment member for positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Jescorp, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo
  • Patent number: 5894868
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a hydrodynamics bearing with fluid. The apparatus includes a fill tube having first and second openings and a fluid reservoir having a reservoir opening. The first opening of the fill tube is aligned relative to a bearing channel opening for filling bearing channels. The second opening of the fill tube is selectively aligned relative to the fluid reservoir for filling bearing channels with fluid from the fluid reservoir via relative movement of the fill tube and fluid reservoir between a retracted position and a filling position. In the retracted position, the second opening of the fill tube is spaced from the reservoir and in the filling position, the second opening of the fill tube is immersed in the fluid reservoir to fill the bearing channels with fluid from the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David Wuester, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5860459
    Abstract: A top off fill wand assembly for adding and removing operating fluid from an automatic transmission for a vehicle having a flexible fluid fill line for snaking through a transmission fill tube which incorporates a tip assembly with a metal electrical contact at the tip. The contact of the tip with the bottom of the oil pan completes electrical circuitry activating top off operation. The tip has a port which corresponds to indicator stick level measurement system. If level is low, the fill wand delivers fluid to the sump until the port is reached, and if level is high, the wand removes fluid until the level is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Bowu Reed, Christopher D. Porter
  • Patent number: 5845684
    Abstract: A clean and easy-to-use, portable upright apparatus, and a method for its use, which can be used to flush and fill the radiator and coolant systems of motorized vehicles in approximately 15 minutes, the apparatus comprising a self-priming pump, a waste collection tank, a tank for holding new or recycled coolant, a filter assembly, and a wheeled support structure for conveniently and efficiently housing the pump, tanks, filter assembly, and the several hoses needed to perform the flush and fill procedure. Applications may include, but are not limited to, flushing coolant from automobile radiators and refilling them with new or recycled coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Otho N. Fletcher, Jr., Timothy D. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 5819824
    Abstract: A connector device is connected to a liquid crystal cell having an edge portion formed as a stepped portion. This connector device includes a connector unit. The connector unit includes a body, and an elastic seal member received in a receiving recess of the body. The seal member has a projection. This projection is formed as a stepped portion corresponding in configuration to the stepped portion of the edge portion of the cell. That is, the projection of the seal member includes a first abutment surface which intimately contacts a first receiving surface of the cell, a second abutment surface which intimately contacts a second receiving surface of the cell, and a third abutment surface which intimately contacts a third receiving surface of the cell. The first and second abutment surfaces are in parallel relation to each other, and the third abutment surface is orthogonal to the first and second abutment surfaces. An association recess is formed in the third abutment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Beldex Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Sugiura
  • Patent number: 5803108
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for inhibiting particulate material in a pneumatic tire from adversely affecting operation of a tire valve assembly The method involves inserting a filter element into a valve stem passage of the valve assembly while the valve assembly is connected to the wheel assembly, and then installing a sealing valve in the valve stem passage. The invention also relates to a tool for inserting the filter element into the valve assembly to inhibit particulate material from passing into the valve assembly while allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The tool comprises a body selectively attachable to the valve assembly. The body has a plurality of passages therein, including a plunger passage, a filter passage and a fluid passage, and a selector valve having two bores therein for selective registry with the plurality of passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: International Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren E. Schuessler, Jr., Ray G. Buckles, Efim V. Sulpovar, Steven J. Nagel
  • Patent number: 5803137
    Abstract: An internal space of a container is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a partition member. The first chamber is provided as chamber for reserving a liquid crystal and connected to an object through a first port of the container. The second chamber receives a pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid supply source through a second port of the closed container. The liquid crystal within the first chamber is pressurized through the partition member by a pressurized fluid which is introduced into the second chamber and the liquid crystal is delivered to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Beldex Corporation
    Inventors: Gyo Shimotoyodome, Isao Sugiura
  • Patent number: 5787940
    Abstract: A system and method for the delivery of cryogenic fluid, more particularly a cryogenic fuel, such as, for example, but not limited to an liquified natural gas (LNG), to a cryogenic fluid using source, and more particularly an LNG fuel source, and even more particularly an LNG fuel-operated engine. The system includes a source of a cryogenic fluid, more particularly an underground tank and with a liquid level within the underground tank source. The system includes a delivery pump to deliver cryogenic fluid from the underground tank source, to a cryogenic using source, typically an LNG fuel source above the underground tank source, with the pump located below the liquid level of the cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic fluid fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Process Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Bonn, Anker Gram
  • Patent number: 5778948
    Abstract: A method for inserting fluid in a bearing device containing a fixed member and a rotating member. The fixed member and the rotating member of the bearing device are assembled in a high pressure environment and subsequently placed in a low pressure environment. While in the low pressure environment, bearing fluid is placed in a space between the fixed member and the rotating member. The fixed member and rotating member along with the bearing fluid are then placed in the high pressure environment to fully disperse the bearing fluid in the space between the fixed member and the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Gomyo, Kazuaki Oguchi
  • Patent number: 5775389
    Abstract: A multi-compartment container (12) is charged with a plurality of doses of powdered medicament so that the volume of each dose is less than that of the respective compartments in which it is contained. A respective protuberance (for example 92) is inserted into each respective compartment, which is then filled with medicament (91) and the protuberance is then removed. The container may take the form of an apertured plate, in which case the filling step can be achieved by placing the container (12) on a porous bed (22) and in communication with a reservoir (80) of particulate material, and then passing gas through the reservoir, the apertures in the container (12) and the bed (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Cambridge Consultants Limited
    Inventor: David Peter Griffin
  • Patent number: 5749401
    Abstract: In a powder filling method for supplying the powder from a powder supply hopper into a container, the air inside the hopper and/or the container is pressured and then restored to an atmospheric pressure by discharging the pressured air in the hopper and/or the container. With this method, even a powder of an inferior filling performance can be filled into a container to a high density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomi Shinya, Masami Eda
  • Patent number: 5746259
    Abstract: This invention is directed toward apparatus and methods for servicing equipment such as air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, engines, transmissions, and tires More particularly, invention is directed toward a system for safely transferring precisely measured quantities of a variety of liquids and gases to the serviced item using essentially a single work station apparatus cooperating with multiple reservoirs of fluids. Furthermore, one or more types of fluids can be supplied, from remote reservoirs, to one or more mobile work stations. Fluids can also be withdrawn from the apparatus being serviced, and reprocessed for future use. Stated another way, the invention eliminates the need for dedicated service equipment to provide each applicable service. This invention is suitable for many market segments such as commercial, industrial, marine, utility, and the like. Government, military, public and private sectors of the economy will benefit from the use of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: John O. Noble, III
  • Patent number: 5723077
    Abstract: In manufacturing hollow particles, gas is supplied from a gas cylinder to a first tank under pressure for solution in a raw material liquid in the first tank for the particles. The resulting raw material liquid is supplied to a second tank where the liquid is stirred with a dispersing medium under pressure, thereby forming a compressed emulsion in the second tank. As the compressed emulsion is discharged to the outside, it is released from the compressed state so that the gas dissolved in corpuscles of the raw material liquid in the emulsion will come out as bubbles. Thus since the corpuscles in the emulsion become hollow particles, an emulsion containing fine hollow particles of the raw material liquid as nuclei is obtained. Therefore it is possible to obtain a large quantity of fine hollow particles with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Reica Corp.
    Inventor: Toru Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 5720324
    Abstract: Free space within a chamber is filled with a flowable material via an opening in a surface of the chamber. A delivery force is used to deliver the flowable material into the chamber via the opening. An outwardly directed force, independent of the delivery force, is applied to draw the flowable material away from the opening. The extent to which the free space within the chamber has been filled is sensed. And the delivering of the flowable material is controlled in response to the sensing. A wall of the chamber defines a longer dimension and a shorter dimension and the opening is in a portion of the wall that defines the longer dimension. The flowable material is delivered into the chamber via the opening in a manner such that, as the flowable material fills the chamber, a surface of the flowable material moves toward the opening along the longer dimension of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: VLT Corporation
    Inventor: Patrizio Vinciarelli
  • Patent number: 5706869
    Abstract: Concentric conduits are supplied for the purpose of minimizing heat transfer from within the inner conduit through the outer conduit. The air gap or annulus around the inner conduit is filled with a resin mixture which is mixed with vermiculite and mineral fiber to form a slurry. The slurry is pumped into an open end of the annulus to fill the annulus and enhance the heat insulation characteristics of the concentric conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Acoust-A-Fiber Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry M. Wolf, Hiten T. Shah, Steven J. Crosbie, James D. Crosby
  • Patent number: 5706870
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method of refilling an ink jet cartridge used with printers. The kit includes a plug pulling tool, and an amount of ink contained in a syringe-plunger assembly with a cap, The plug pulling tool allows removing a plug from a cartridge without damage, so that the plug can be replaced into the cartridge after being refilled. The syringe-plunger assembly allows the user to seal the nozzle of the syringe tight against the hole in the cartridge, in order to fill the cartridge with ink as well as to remove unwanted air from inside the cartridge. The invention eliminates the need of having to reseal the cartridge by alternate means, allows venting of the cartridge reservoir during the refill process, and significantly increases the efficiency and cleanness of refilling an ink jet cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Procubed Corp.
    Inventor: James T. Maerzke
  • Patent number: 5699839
    Abstract: A liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling station which does not vent natural gas vapors. Three cryogenic storage vessels alternately serve as dispensing, conditioning, and receiving vessels. A natural gas compressor transfers vapor between the vessels and evacuates vapors vented from tanker trucks and vehicles. Heat absorbed by the LNG is utilized to warm the fuel for use in vehicles by bubbling the vapors through the LNG in the conditioning vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Acurex Environmental Corporation
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Dehne
  • Patent number: 5694987
    Abstract: By means of the device and the process, a defective pneumatic tire of the vehicle is provided with emergency running properties. This takes place by means of an inflating device, after the removal of which from the loading space, a signal is triggered, which constantly reminds the driver to move the vehicle only within the range of predetermined speeds. By means of the process, it is ensured that improper actions which would be possible in connection with the pneumatic tire with emergency running properties, are largely avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Horst Marchart