Of Filled Receiver Patents (Class 141/64)
  • Patent number: 6651703
    Abstract: A system for the transportation and storage of a product comprising a tank including a cylindrical wall section and two ends which define a cylindrical tank periphery, wherein the tank periphery has an interior and an exterior; a recessed valve box including one or more side walls, a bottom wall, and a removable, sealable top cover which can be attached to the one or more side walls to seal the valve box, wherein the valve box side walls are sealably joined to the cylindrical wall section such that the valve box extends through the cylindrical wall section into the interior of the tank periphery and is partially or totally disposed in the interior of the tank periphery; and one or more valves disposed in the valve box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Yliy Gershtein, Robert William Ford, Christopher R. Butler, Eugene Y. Ngai
  • Publication number: 20030178093
    Abstract: A system for the transportation and storage of a product comprising a tank including a cylindrical wall section and two ends which define a cylindrical tank periphery, wherein the tank periphery has an interior and an exterior; a recessed valve box including one or more side walls, a bottom wall, and a removable, sealable top cover which can be attached to the one or more side walls to seal the valve box, wherein the valve box side walls are sealably joined to the cylindrical wall section such that the valve box extends through the cylindrical wall section into the interior of the tank periphery and is partially or totally disposed in the interior of the tank periphery; and one or more valves disposed in the valve box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Vladimir Yliy Gershtein, Robert William Ford, Christopher R. Butler, Eugene Y. Ngai
  • Patent number: 6604558
    Abstract: A multicomponent, ground based system for reducing the hazard of explosion of aircraft fuel in the on board tanks of aircraft. The system is adapted to provide a supply of scrubbed fuel having a low concentration of dissolved oxygen. The scrubbed fuel can be supplied from bulk storage tanks to dispensing stations nearby the aircraft loading and boarding positions at an airport. The system also includes equipment adapted to wash the ullage of the aircraft fuel tanks to remove excess oxygen above the fuel in the tanks. The system further includes a gas cleaning unit to strip excessive amounts of volatile organic compounds from gas exhausted during operation of the system thereby producing environmentally benign atmospheric emissions. The system also includes redundant sources of inert gas so that the system can continue to operate in the contingency that one of the inert gas sources temporarily ceases to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Étude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Richard A. Sauer
  • Patent number: 6595109
    Abstract: A wine preserving assembly which simultaneously delivers an inert-gas to the headspace of a wine bottle while simultaneously evacuating undesirable gas contained in the headspace through the action of operatively engaging an inert gas-containing vessel to the wine preserving assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: George W. Liebmann, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030131903
    Abstract: A method for controlling pressure in the vapor or ullage space of an underground storage tank of volatile liquid fuel includes treatment or conditioning of gaseous flow of vapor and air and/or air into the ullage space in a manner to increase the fuel vapor concentration of the gaseous flow toward saturation. A system for controlling pressure in the vapor or ullage space of an underground storage tank of volatile liquid fuel is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: James W. Healy
  • Patent number: 6568435
    Abstract: A system and method that removes an unwanted gas or unwanted gases or volatile liquids from containers or spaces that have only one venthole. The unwanted gases are replaced by a desirable, usually inert gas. The containers may be filled with granular solids of any size or shape; the containers may be of any size or geometry. The method consists of a pump system that applies small pressure oscillations to the single vent hole. These oscillations compress and expand the gas in the container. The resulting gas displacements in the container generate vortices in the gas spaces between the granular solids which mix the gases, replacing the unwanted resident gas by a desirable gas. The theory is related to the dispersion in porous media. Experiments are presented that document the time needed for the washout of the unwanted resident gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Marc J. Jaeger
  • Patent number: 6533000
    Abstract: A hermetic substrate transportation container permitting storage of an electronic substrate is provided, keeping a rise of internal moisture concentration low, thus preventing generation of natural oxidation film on the surface of the electronic substrate and allowing detection of the contents inside the substrate transportation container, from outside. A container body having an aperture for loading and unloading an electronic substrate, the substrate transportation container comprising a lid for sealing such aperture, in which the container body and the lid are made of a material having an amorphous polyolefin as its main constituent. By constituting the container body and the lid using the amorphous polyolefin with low hygroscopic characteristic as a main constituent, it is possible to keep discharge of moisture from the internal wall thereof low and also to prevent an increase of moisture concentration in the sealed compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Saga
  • Patent number: 6530401
    Abstract: A device of the present invention includes a closure plug for a drink bottle. The plug is provided with an inlet and an inlet valve which is arranged therein and is embodied as a reflux valve that is closed in a rest position. The device also comprises a filling device which is provided with or can be connected to a filling head. The closure plug can be coupled to the filling head in a communicating manner. Gas can be inserted into the drink bottle by the filling device via the filling head and through the inlet valve of the closure plug. The filling head opens the inlet valve when the closure plug is coupled. The closure plug is provided with an outlet and an outlet valve that is arranged therein and is embodied as a reflux valve in the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Cash + Carry Angehrn AG
    Inventors: Martin Angehrn, Thomas Angehrn, Anton Boeni, Wolfgang Reichenberger
  • Patent number: 6520218
    Abstract: In a first respect this invention is a container, comprising: a cylindrical, hollow body capped on both ends by a base and a top; a conduit that bisects the top and extends into the interior of the container; and a perforated housing that encompasses the portion of the conduit that extends into the interior of the container. In another broad respect, this invention is a removable splash guard, comprising: a housing having a top and bottom that define an internal space; a lower tube that bisects the bottom, wherein the lower tube has a upper portion which is angled; an upper tube that bisects the top, wherein a portion of the second tube that extends into the internal space contains at least one hole; and a partition interposed between the upper and lower tubes that serves to block movement of a chemical from the lower tube to the opening at the inboard end of the upper tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Gregory W. Harris, Frank L. Cook, Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6463964
    Abstract: A method of operating a carbonated beverage filling machine for filling beverage containers, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans, with a beverage, and also a carbonated beverage filling machine for filling beverage containers, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans, with a beverage. The beverage in the corresponding container, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans, is carbonated in the container, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans, while the container, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans, is being filled in the carbonated beverage filling machine for filling beverage containers, such as beverage bottles and beverage cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Publication number: 20020108672
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for transferring wine from a wine bottle (100) to a decanting receptacle (200) wherein the apparatus (10) includes: a pump unit (11) for introducing pressurized air into the interior of the wine bottle; a fluid withdrawal unit (12) for allowing the wine to flow out of the wine bottle (100) into a decanting receptacle (200); and, a support unit (13) for supporting the bottom of the wine bottle (100) at an angular inclination “&agr;” to consolidate the lees (110) on one side of the bottle (100); wherein, a fluid withdrawal head member (50) is provided with a plurality of lateral passageways (55) disposed at a height of “h” above the bottom of the head member (50) to prevent the lees (110) from being transferred into the decanting receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Robert E. Morrison
  • Patent number: 6425421
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for transferring wine from a wine bottle (100) to a decanting receptacle (200) wherein the apparatus (10) includes: a pump unit (11) for introducing pressurized air into the interior of the wine bottle; a fluid withdrawal unit (12) for allowing the wine to flow out of the wine bottle (100) into a decanting receptacle (200); and, a support unit (13) for supporting the bottom of the wine bottle (100) at an angular inclination “&agr;” to consolidate the lees (110) on one side of the bottle (100); wherein, a fluid withdrawal head member (50) is provided with a plurality of lateral passageways (55) disposed at a height of “h” above the bottom of the head member (50) to prevent the lees (110) from being transferred into the decanting receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Robert E. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20020088503
    Abstract: A system and method that removes an unwanted gas or unwanted gases or volatile liquids from containers or spaces that have only one venthole. The unwanted gases are replaced by a desirable, usually inert gas. The containers may be filled with granular solids of any size or shape; the containers may be of any size or geometry. The method consists of a pump system that applies small pressure oscillations to the single vent hole. These oscillations compress and expand the gas in the container. The resulting gas displacements in the container generate vortices in the gas spaces between the granular solids which mix the gases, replacing the unwanted resident gas by a desirable gas. The theory is related to the dispersion in porous media. Experiments are presented that document the time needed for the washout of the unwanted resident gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Marc J. Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20020088504
    Abstract: A multicomponent, ground based system for reducing the hazard of explosion of aircraft fuel in the on board tanks of aircraft. The system is adapted to provide a supply of scrubbed fuel having a low concentration of dissolved oxygen. The scrubbed fuel can be supplied from bulk storage tanks to dispensing stations nearby the aircraft loading and boarding positions at an airport. The system also includes equipment adapted to wash the ullage of the aircraft fuel tanks to remove excess oxygen above the fuel in the tanks. The system further includes a gas cleaning unit to strip excessive amounts of volatile organic compounds from gas exhausted during operation of the system thereby producing environmentally benign atmospheric emissions. The system also includes redundant sources of inert gas so that the system can continue to operate in the contingency that one of the inert gas sources temporarily ceases to operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Richard A. Sauer
  • Patent number: 6352165
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing and pressurizing a bottle having an opening in a top end section and external threads extending around the end section includes an internal cap section having a bottom end with a bottom opening, a top end, and a generally cylindrical side wall located between the two ends. This cap section forms a chamber adapted to receive at least a portion of the top end section and has internal threads formed in this chamber and adapted for engaging the external threads in order to detachably mount the apparatus on the bottle. An annular compressing plate is mounted on the cap section so as to be movable upwardly or downwardly thereon. This compressing plate is non-rotatable relative to the cap section. A resilient, expandable and compressible bellows is located above the compressing plate and around the cap section. There is an exterior cover member that has a cylindrical side wall with interior threads in operative engagement with the edge of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Dion P. DiFelice
  • Patent number: 6302159
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for chemical processing of multiple mixtures is disclosed. The apparatus provides selective purging of a liquid-phase of the mixtures. The apparatus can be used for processing many different types of mixtures under a wide variety of processing conditions, including but not limited to protein digestions, and is particularly well suited for processes requiring solid-liquid contacting. The apparatus includes an array of vessels or wells for containing the mixtures. The wells have openings that generally define a surface. A perforated plate and a film are disposed above the openings of the wells. The film is sandwiched between the perforated plate and the surface defined by the openings of the vessels, covering and sealing the vessels. A probe is used to perforate the film and to pressurize the vessels, which drives liquid out of the wells via through-holes formed in their bottoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Genomic Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Ryan, Kevin Auton
  • Patent number: 6182715
    Abstract: A liquid-nitrogen injection system comprises a vacuum-insulated reservoir that is held aloft and to one side of a flexible dosing arm. Such reservoir is completely sealed and capped on its top and sides, the vent, feed, return, and supply conduits enter only from the bottom. The feed and return conduits connect to the dosing arm through a long flexible, stainless steel, vacuum-insulating jacket. Such allows an injection nozzle at the end of the dosing arm to be adjusted up and down, in and out, and even tilted relative to both the assembly line and the reservoir. This also means the hydraulic pressure head at the control nozzle can be adjusted in the field. A metering orifice is positioned within the dosing arm such that it is behind the control nozzle valve. A nitrogen gas purging system is connected to provide a freeze-up shielding gas flow from a liquid nitrogen tap in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventors: Alex R. Ziegler, Alan T. Ziegler
  • 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: 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: 6112780
    Abstract: A four-tube bottling system that greatly reduces the oxygen or other air-borne contaminants in bottled beverages. The apparatus allows for the injecting of inert gas into the bottom of the container while the atmosphere escapes through the forth tube near the top of the container. With this method the air in the container is eliminated before the liquid is poured. This apparatus virtually eliminates contaminants from contact with the beverage during the filling process by purging existing atmosphere form the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: David M. Meheen
  • Patent number: 6076570
    Abstract: A closure including an integral chamber for storing a fluid separately from a beverage stored in a container to which the closure is attached is provided with a pre-formed court or aperture and a valve, the valve being operable to an open position when intended to allow release of the fluid in the chamber to mix with beverage in the container, the apparatus being particularly suitable for carbonating or recarbonating beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Byrne
  • 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: 6050307
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a heavier liquid from a container having a cover and containing a plurality of liquids of differing specific gravities. A sealable access is provided in the cover and a conduit having an end positioned within the liquid to be removed is connected at an opposite end to the sealable access. A superatmospheric medium is introduced into the container through the sealable access to create a pressure on a lighter liquid which acts as a plunger to pressurize the heavier liquid and force it through the conduit to be ejected to an exterior location via the sealable access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Armand R. Conti
  • Patent number: 6039090
    Abstract: An improved pressurizable wide mouthed vessel is provided which is capable of storing beverages under pressure and also of being used as a drinking vessel. The wide mouthed drinking vessel is closed by a closure urging a seal to sealingly engage the vessel. The closure is so configured that when the vessel is pressurized, the closure is deformed to transmit additional pressure to the seal to effect tighter sealing engagement with the vessel. The closure has pressure release means for venting the vessel in order to release the pressure on the seal, and so allow the closure to be more readily removed from the mouth of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Able Industries Limited
    Inventors: Brian Leslie Gunn, James Moore, Michael Turley Hancocks
  • Patent number: 6036054
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachment that can pressurize a beverage container with carbon dioxide or other suitable pressurized gaseous fluid. The attachment has a first threaded opening that can be screwed onto the container and a second opening which can be coupled to either a pressurized gas cartridge or a pressurized gas tank. Extending from the carbonator is a button that is coupled to a valve which controls the flow of gas into the container. The button and valve are coupled to a spring that functions as a regulator which controls the gas pressure within the container. When the button is depressed, the valve is opened and gas flows into the container until the gas pressure overcomes the spring force and closes the valve. Varying the displacement of the button varies the spring force and the gas pressure within the container. The user can thus vary and control the gas pressure of the container by manipulating the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Sturman BG, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Grill
  • Patent number: 5964257
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for cleaning a liquid dispensing nozzle that is utilized in semiconductor process machines by providing a cleaning solvent reservoir tank capable of receiving a dispensing nozzle and then flowing a cleaning solvent through the nozzle under pressure, and then purging through the dispensing nozzle with a processing fluid to later be utilized such that any residual cleaning solvent is purged out of the dispensing nozzle to prevent the possible back-flow or syphoning of the cleaning solvent into a processing fluid supply and the dilution of such processing fluid. The present invention apparatus is further equipped with a cleaning solvent buffer tank for holding and feeding a cleaning solvent to the reservoir tank such that the pressure in the reservoir tank can be suitably controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsun-Peng Lin, Fu-Tein Wung, Chih-Hsiung Lee
  • Patent number: 5934344
    Abstract: An ink dispensing apparatus is comprised of a support frame capable of supporting a plurality of ink containers. The apparatus is provided with an agitating mechanism to agitate the containers from time-to-time to maintain the ink and coloring agent therein in admixture and substantially homogeneous, particularly before dispensing ink. Pressure is applied to the ink container to assist in the discharge of ink from a flexible dispensing spout which is connected to the mouth opening of each container. A scale is displaceable under each container and on which a vessel is supported for receiving a desired weight quantity of ink from selected ones of the containers which contain inks of different colors. The ink is dispensed by operating a hand-operable dispensing valve mechanism which closes and opens the flexible tube in a regulated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Pemla Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Wainberg, Arnold Lipes
  • Patent number: 5927348
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing puncture sealing compositions from a tire, characterized by allowing air pressure to flow out of the tire via the valve, removing the tire valve, introducing a hose into the tire through the valve bore until the introduced hose end dips deeply into the sealing preparation contained in the tire and generating a pressure differential so that the sealing preparation is removed through the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: SP Reifenwerke GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Gerresheim, Hans-Bernd Fuchs, Ulrich Steinbrecht, Hans Hubert
  • Patent number: 5921418
    Abstract: A valve device that is incorporated into the cap used on plastic bottles, which allow the bottles to receive the injection of gaseous pressure so that the walls of the plastic bottles become firm and rigid, which maximizes the bottles floatation potential. This allow the bottles to be handled and stored easily. These bottles have uses for many types of floatation needs, such as buoys, rafts, etc. The bottles are particularly useful as floatation devices in the sport of fishing, with the addition of fishing lines and hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Gary L. Pugh
  • Patent number: 5916110
    Abstract: A controlled environment sealing system and method of operating the same. The controlled environment sealing system having a transport system for transporting containers between processors, a lid placement processor positioning lids on the containers, a controlled environment processor providing the containers with a controlled environment and pre-sealing the lids to the containers, and a permanent sealing processor permanently sealing the lids to the containers in a contaminating environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventors: James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo
  • 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: 5848623
    Abstract: A novel device for pressurizing an aerated drink remaining in an aerated drink container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Ueda Servo Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 5836364
    Abstract: A refillable bottle constructed to be capable of holding fluids above atmospheric pressure has a threaded cap. The top of the threaded cap has at least one valve having a single resealable passageway for filling, pressurizing and emptying the container. The valve is capable of being opened by a probe which engages the valve and pushes into the cap, the valve being closed when not acted upon by the probe. A plurality of vent holes are positioned in the top so as to be adjacent the mouth of the bottle when the cap is placed thereon. A releasable sealing ring is sized and positioned between the mouth and the cap so as to close the vent holes when the cap is fully threaded onto the neck and allow gas within the container to escape through the vent holes when the cap is loose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: John W. Burton
  • Patent number: 5792236
    Abstract: Liquid gallium or gallium alloy is utilized as a mercury substitute for a variety of applications. The liquid gallium or gallium alloy is either free of metal oxides or has only very low quantities of metal oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry T. Taylor, James Rancourt
  • Patent number: 5779082
    Abstract: The lid consists of two unitary parts both of which are molded from a soft rubbery substance. The body of the lid butts against the mouth of a container and includes a vacuum release valve and a check valve through which air may be evacuated from the container. The second part is a bellows pump that sealingly engages the body of the lid. As the bellows pump is worked manually, air is drawn from the container into the pump through the check valve on the body of the lid and the air is then discharged into the atmosphere through a second check valve that is an integral portion of the removable bellows pump. Because of its simplicity and lack of small parts, the lid is easy to clean effectively, and reuse is contemplated. The actuators for the pump and for the vacuum release valve extend to the periphery of the lid thereby making it easy for use by handicapped persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Invental Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Miramon
  • Patent number: 5744182
    Abstract: A process for introducing an aroma into the headspace of a package containing a food product during the gas packaging of the food product which comprises introducing a modified atmosphere into the headspace, and introducing a food acceptable aroma dissolved in a liquid food acceptable gas under pressure into the headspace of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Bo Andersson, Dominique Villot
  • Patent number: 5732751
    Abstract: An ink supply container for an ink-jet printer is provided with a main reservoir, which is typically maintained at ambient pressure. The main reservoir is coupled to a variable volume chamber via a one-way valve which allows the flow of ink from the reservoir to the chamber and prevents the flow of ink from the chamber to the reservoir. The chamber is coupled to a fluid outlet which is normally closed to prevent the flow of ink. A fill port is provided for directing ink into the reservoir to fill the reservoir. The apparatus and method for filling the ink container includes a nozzle that seals around the fill port and that has valved fluid lines connected thereto for evacuating the container prior to filling and for directing ink into the evacuated reservoir. The nozzle surrounds a plug that is moved to seal the port while the nozzle is still sealed around the port immediately after the container is filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Glen E. Schmidt, Mark J. Green, Ronald W. Hall, Truman Kenneth Jones
  • Patent number: 5586588
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressurizing liquid contained within a single, food-grade container or a series of such containers from an external source of gas, and for drafting liquid from the container (s). CO.sub.2 may be used to carbonate liquids such as beer or soft drinks, or alternatively air or inert gases may be used in conjunction with non-carbonated liquids such as wine.According to a preferred embodiment the disclosed apparatus, which may be used with a single container or each one of a series of containers, comprises a cap screwed onto the container neck and a nipple assembly attached to the neck via the cap. The nipple assembly includes a body section and a plurality of nipples attached thereto. Each nipple has an outer portion protruding externally of the container, an inner portion disposed within the container and an interior flow passage extending through both portions. An annular seal is disposed so as to prevent fluid leakage between the body section and the container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Lee B. Knox
  • Patent number: 5579814
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging a damper with pressurized gas by forming a flow passage between the dust lip of the oil seal and the piston rod. The flow passage is formed by locally deforming the dust lip under the action of a distortion clamp. A source of pressurized gas is then placed in communication with the flow passage. The pressurized gas causes the oil seal to be displaced away from the piston rod, and the gas enters the damper between the oil seal and the piston rod. When the gas within the damper has attained the desired pressure, the distortion clamp is released allowing the dust lip to return to normal circumferential contact with the piston rod, and the source of pressurized gas is removed. The pressurized gas is retained in the damper after charging by the seal engaging the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Monroe Auto Equipment Company
    Inventors: Gareth M. Jones, Jeffrey A. Jenkins, Michael J. Shnier
  • Patent number: 5566730
    Abstract: A gas actuator assembly for supplying a compressed gas to a container, the assembly includes a self contained supply of compressed gas, preferably in the form of a cartridge of compressed gas which is transmitted through a tube to below the level of a liquid contained in a vessel such as a wine bottle or into a resealable container such as that for the storage of food, an evacuation tube that is provided to remove air from the vessel and an activating device for simultaneously activating the flow of compressed gas and the evacuation of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: George W. Liebmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5546997
    Abstract: The lid is adapted for use with a container the mouth of which has a particular size and shape. After the lid has been placed on the mouth of the container, the air or other gas within the container is evacuated by manual operation of a pump actuator. The actuator is repeatedly pushed toward the bottom of the container. The pump includes a bellows and two check valves, and the pump is removably installed in the lid by inserting a resilient plug on the pump into a first hole in the lid. The vacuum may be released by pushing once on an actuator that operates a vacuum release valve. The vacuum release valve is removably installed in the lid by inserting a resilient plug of the valve into a second hole in the lid. When the container is evacuated, the pump actuator and the vacuum release valve actuator are flush with the upper face of the lid to facilitate stacking of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Invental Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Miramon
  • Patent number: 5477896
    Abstract: The machine has a pump for the metering, at controlled pressure, of the perfusion liquid to the bag which is connected to the machine. Compressed air is supplied to the filter in the bag when it has been filled in order to check the bubble point. The machine includes a purifying filter, pressure transductor and connections to the liquid pipe as well as a suspended support for controlling the filling of the bag. The bag to be filled is coupled by suspension to the support. A safety system for the handling of the bag comprises front gates for closing the handling zone of the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Victor Grifols Lucas
  • Patent number: 5458165
    Abstract: A gas actuator assembly for supplying a compressed gas to a container, the assembly includes a self contained supply of compressed gas, preferably in the form of a cartridge of compressed gas which is transmitted through a tube to below the level of a liquid contained in a vessel such as a wine bottle or into a resealable container such as that for the storage of food, an evacuation tube that is provided to remove air from the vessel and an activating device for simultaneously activating the flow of compressed gas and the evacuation of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: George W. Liebmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5439038
    Abstract: An apparatus for repressurizing a partially emptied carbonated beverage bottle, comprises a stationary pumping station mountable against a wall or under a kitchen cabinet, and a set of bottle caps adapted for use on the pumping station. The station includes a pump operated by pushing a movable front panel section, a filling slot equipped with a air-supplying cannula, and a slot for holding the set of caps. Each cap has a resiliently self-sealing opening designed to be penetrated by the cannula when the bottle is inserted into the filling slot, and a pouring orifice closed by a thumb-activated and spring-biased stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Consumer Product Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett W. Lewis, Jeffrey M. Jablon, James L. Labelle
  • Patent number: 5417255
    Abstract: A row of open top containers travelling on a conveyor is purged of oxygen by passing the containers along a gas distribution manifold disposed parallel to the direction of travel of the containers. The manifold includes at least one region of lower flow resistance disposed parallel to the direction of travel, for supplying a higher velocity inert gas flushing stream continuously and at substantially steady state to the containers. The manifold also includes at least one region of higher flow resistance disposed parallel to the direction of travel, for supplying a lower velocity inert gas region along the containers, continuously and at substantially steady state. As the containers pass along the manifold, the inert flushing gas steadily removes oxygen from the containers, while the lower velocity inert gas region prevents the flushing gas from drawing in air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventors: James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo
  • Patent number: 5406992
    Abstract: Self contained evacuation lid adapted for containers allowing the contents of the container (30) to be stored under a reduced pressure atmosphere after the container (30) has been opened. The evacuation lid forms a closure over the container (30) which incorporates a bellows pump (12) for removing air from container (30). The evacuation lid also includes a air intake valve (14) for venting the container (30) to facilitate the removal of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Jeff Stuebing
    Inventor: Eric J. Miramon
  • Patent number: 5400601
    Abstract: Quantities of liquid are distributed via a conduit (5) connected to a source (4) of the liquid, by periodically opening and closing a closure member (7) disposed in the conduit, and injecting, during a predetermined period, immediately after the 5 closing of the closure member (7), a quantity of gas into the conduit portion (6)immediately downstream of the closure member. The duration of the cycle between two successive openings of the closure member (7)is less than 0.1 second. The liquid is an inert liquefied gas, e.g. nitrogen or argon. The injected gas is the same as the liquefied gas and comes from a same cryogenic receptacle (1). The invention is useful for rendering inert or pressurizing containers of food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Germain, Cornelis Klok
  • Patent number: 5396934
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting CO.sub.2 gas into a bottled liquid to carbonate or maintain carbonation in the liquid. A valved coupling having a conduit extending there through is screwably attached to a P.E.T. bottle substantially filled with liquid. The valve is depressed .while the bottle is squeezed to remove any excess air in the bottle. Regulated CO.sub.2 gas is then fed through a connector that is attached to the coupling to carbonate the liquid. Once carbonated, the connector is removed while the coupling remains in place to maintain carbonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas S. Moench
  • Patent number: 5395012
    Abstract: A attachment that can be attached to the opening of a container to pressurize the same with a gas. The attachment has a housing which holds a removable cartridge that contains either pressurized nitrogen or CO.sub.2. Extending from the attachment is a button that is connected to a valve which controls the flow of gas into the container. The button and valve are coupled to a spring which functions as a regulator that controls the gas pressure within the container. When the button is depressed, the valve is opened and the gas is allowed to flow into the container. The spring maintains the valve in the open position until the gas pressure overcomes the spring force and closes the valve. Varying the movement of the button varies the spring force and the gas pressure within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Kineret Engineering
    Inventors: Benjamin Grill, Oded E. Sturman, Walter L. Harrison
  • Patent number: 5385025
    Abstract: The present invention produces discrete droplets of cryogenic liquid, suitable for injection into receptacles such as cans or plastic bottles, at high speeds. A container of cryogenic liquid includes a hole and an orifice, spaced apart from each other, and defining a path for liquid to flow out of the container. A conduit directs a gas into the space between the hole and the orifice. The orifice is formed in an orifice plug which can be adjusted so as to vary the volume of the space between the hole and the orifice. When gas fills the space, the gas tends to prevent the outflow of liquid. When gas is withdrawn from the space, liquid can flow out of the container. By rapidly closing opening a valve which supplies gas to the space, and by proper choice the volume of the space, the liquid can be made to fall out of the container in discrete droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: MG Industries
    Inventor: Stephen G. Kellett