Evacuation Apparatus Patents (Class 141/65)
  • Patent number: 6516837
    Abstract: Provided are methods of introducing environmentally desirable refrigerants into refrigeration systems. The present methods involve recharging a refrigerant system that contains a chlorine-containing refrigerant and a lubricant comprising the steps of (a) removing the chlorine-containing refrigerant from the refrigeration system while retaining a substantial portion of the lubricant in said system; and (b) introducing to said system a composition comprising: (i) a refrigerant; (ii) a surfactant; and (iii) a solubilizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Hilton Percival Thomas, Roy Phillip Robinson, Rajiv Ratna Singh, David Paul Wilson
  • Patent number: 6516836
    Abstract: Draining of the waste tank of a recreational vehicle is improved by using a motor to operate the waste hose. The motor causes the proximal end of the hose to be extended from its housing in the RV while the distal end remains attached to the waste tan. The extended proximal end can then be inserted into the access pipe of a sewer system for draining the waste tank. The motor will retract the hose when the waste tank has been emptied. The motor is operable either by throwing a switch on the motor or pressing a button on a remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Reginald E Fields
  • Patent number: 6510876
    Abstract: An adapter connects different sized conduits to a radiator, where each conduit has an open end configured differently than the open ends of the other conduits. The adapter includes a body member having a cavity therein, with a connection member having one end extending from the body member to be attached to a coupling member and another end in communication with the cavity. A passageway extends between these ends. Tubular inserts are individually and independently coupled to one sized conduit. Each insert has a first end sized to fit snug within the cavity and a second opposed end sized to fit within an open end of one of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: MOC Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Camacho, Carl Brod
  • Patent number: 6508280
    Abstract: A combined oil drain and fill apparatus includes an oil supply container, oil waste container, supply pump, waste pump, supply check valve, waste check valve, Y-connector, and oil hose. One end of the supply pump is connected to the supply container and the other end is connected to the supply check valve. One end of the waste pump is connected to the waste container and the other end is connected to the waste check valve. The Y-connector has two inlets and one outlet. The supply and waste check valves are connected to the inlets of the Y-connector and the oil hose is connected to the outlet of the Y-connector. The supply and waste check valves may be replaced with a supply shut-off valve and a waste shut-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Richard E. Capstran
  • Publication number: 20030010395
    Abstract: A cylinder containing gas has a valve and is connected to a delivery side through a filling pipe, a primary pipe, a first air-operated valve, a pressure reducing valve, a secondary pipe, and a second air-operated valve. Inert gas flows into the primary pipe through an air-operated valve. The primary pipe is connected to a vacuum generator through an air-operated valve and a pipe. Gas remaining in the primary pipe is purged as exhaust gas by automatically repeating leaving-pipe-in-pressurized-state purge for pressurizing the inside of the primary pipe by the inert gas and leaving the pipe in this state for 2 to 10 minutes and evacuating the pipe for 20 seconds. Gas remaining in the primary pipe is purged with high-efficiency, and the vacuum generator is stopped while the inside of the primary pipe is pressurized in the leaving-pipe-in-pressurized-state purge and the just-before-replacement purge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Yutaka Sakamoto, Tsuneo Kano, Takashi Ogawa, Hiroshi Matsumura, Toshiaki Sango, Kiyoto Itoh, Norio Otake
  • Publication number: 20030005974
    Abstract: A depression container comprises a vessel including a compartment and a cover for enclosing and thus sealing the compartment. An air pump draws air out of the compartment and a pressure-activated switch controls on/off of the air pump. The pressure-activated switch detects an internal pressure in the compartment. The air pump is turned on when the internal pressure is higher than a predetermined first pressure value. The air pump is turned off when the internal pressure is lower than a predetermined second pressure value. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure-activated switch detects a pressure difference resulting from a closing motion of the cover on the vessel and turns the air pump on to thereby draw air out of the compartment of the vessel. The air pump is turned off when an internal pressure in the compartment detected by the pressure-activated switch is lower than a predetermined pressure value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jen-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 6491873
    Abstract: A multi-well filtration or solid phase extraction apparatus is provided which generally includes a vacuum collar adapted to be interconnected between a conventional 96-well sample application plate, or separation plate, and a 96-well collection plate. The vacuum collar provides an interface chamber between these plates through which a vacuum can be applied to assist in the filtration process. The collection plate may include a vent opening providing a direct communication between the interface chamber and a vacuum assembly air intake, when the collection plate is disposed on top of the vacuum assembly in a stacked configuration, thereby eliminating any need for separate vacuum manifolds or connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Varian, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Q. Roberts, Michael R. Woelk
  • Patent number: 6491070
    Abstract: The device comprises a container (1) with a mouth (4′) to which the end of the conduit through which cement falls into the drum (3) of a concrete mixer truck is coupled, said container being fixed and having a trap door (6) for adapting the back part of said drum (3) so that the dust originating from the fall of the cement remains inside sad container (1). Part of the dust goes out through the conduit (9) to a common collector (10) while the other part is suctioned in through a suctioning head (2) formed by a truncated cone-shaped body, the biggest base thereof being coupled to the mouth (3′) for loading the drum (3) and the smallest base leading to a conduit (13) that ends in the common collector (10). The dust is suctioned in from said collector and passed through a container or hopper (22) with filters with the purpose of cleaning and final reception in a tank or common collector (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Juan José Espina Frutos
  • Patent number: 6484761
    Abstract: A venting lid cover for a container that has a plate member that configurably attaches to the coaming of the drum container, and a plenum member that attaches to this plate member. The plate member has at least one plate opening (preferably two for standard 55-gallon drums) that are equal in number to bung holes in the container so that the bung holes can pass through the plate member. The plenum member has vapor inlet ports that are equal in number and positioned in close proximity to the plate openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Puccio
  • Patent number: 6481470
    Abstract: Apparatus for puncturing an aerosol can's valve, draining its contents through the puncture, and for drawing any remaining contents from the can should there be insufficient pressure in the can for it to be fully evacuated when punctured. When the valve is replaced, the can is reusable. The puncturing apparatus has a stationary compartmented piercing tube and a housing that is free to move up and down relative to the piercing tube. The housing is spring-loaded to offer resistance to movement so that a seal is achieved between the housing and the can before the piercing tube makes contact with the can, and to return the housing to its rest position after each piercing cycle. An air cylinder is used to apply pressure to the bottom of the aerosol can so that it will move downward to engage the piercing tube and release its contents into a first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: John Rubenic
  • Publication number: 20020166603
    Abstract: An adapter connects different sized conduits to a radiator, where each conduit has an open end configured differently than the open ends of the other conduits. The adapter includes a body member having a cavity therein, with a connection member having one end extending from the body member to be attached to a coupling member and another end in communication with the cavity. A passageway extends between these ends. Tubular inserts are individually and independently coupled to one sized conduit. Each insert has a first end sized to fit snug within the cavity and a second opposed end sized to fit within an open end of one of the conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Camacho, Carl Brod
  • Patent number: 6474443
    Abstract: A portable suction device for removing liquid from an engine includes a plastic tank including a pump aperture for enabling removal of air or gases from the tank and a receiving aperture for receiving a liquid or gas from an engine. The suction device includes a pump apparatus for creating a negative pressure in the plastic tank. The pump apparatus includes a metal cylindrical tube, a plastic piston surrounded by the cylindrical tube, a metal piston rod having an end secured to the piston and a pump handle secured to the other end of the piston rod. A plastic support bracket supports a first end of the cylindrical tube adjacent the pump handle by securing the tube to a protrusion at a top end of the tank. A pump support cap receives the second end of the cylindrical tube for securing the tube at the pump aperture of the plastic tank. Due to the arrangement of the cylindrical tube above the plastic tank, the cylindrical tube functions as a portable suction device handle for carrying the plastic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Kristus, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry A. Kearns, Curtis Taylor
  • Patent number: 6474370
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of replacing old fluid in a transmission system by feeding clean fluid into the system from a clean fluid tank using a pump and draining the old fluid into a waste tank and using a processor to monitor the clean fluid pressure in the clean tank and the old fluid pressure in the waste tank and adjusting the pump's speed using the processor such that the old fluid is drained at substantially the same rate as the clean fluid is fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Motorvac Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo Betancourt, John Rome
  • Publication number: 20020157727
    Abstract: A venting lid cover for a container that has a plate member that configurably attaches to the coaming of the drum container, and a plenum member that attaches to this plate member. The plate member has at least one plate opening (preferably two for standard 55-gallon drums) that are equal in number to bung holes in the container so that the bung holes can pass through the plate member. The plenum member has vapor inlet ports that are equal in number and positioned in close proximity to the plate openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Puccio
  • Patent number: 6470927
    Abstract: A FOUP opener opens and closes a FOUP door which closes a front opening portion of a FOUP which contains a plurality of semiconductor wafers. The FOUP opener includes a dock plate for carrying and positioning the FOUP; a dock moving mechanism for moving the dock plate to a position for detachment/attachment of the FOUP door; a port door including a detachment/attachment mechanism for detaching/attaching the FOUP door and a holder mechanism for holding the FOUP door; a port plate including an opening portion, the opening portion being closed by the port door; a port door horizontal-movement mechanism for horizontally moving the port door; and a port door vertical-movement mechanism for vertically moving the port door with the port door holding the FOUP door, so as to house the FOUP door. The port door includes a seal member for sealing a space defined between an outside wall of the FOUP door and an outside wall of the port door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsunori Otaguro
  • Patent number: 6470924
    Abstract: A depression container includes a vessel including a compartment and a cover for enclosing and thus sealing the compartment. An air pump draws air out of the compartment and a pressure-activated switch controls on/off of the air pump. The pressure-activated switch detects an internal pressure in the compartment. The air pump is turned on when the internal pressure is higher than a predetermined first pressure value. The air pump is turned off when the internal pressure is lower than a predetermined second pressure value. In an alternative embodiments, the pressure-activated switch detects a pressure difference resulting from a closing motion of the cover on the vessel and turns the air pump on to thereby draw air out of the compartment of the vessel. The air pump is turned off when an internal pressure in the compartment detected by the pressure-activated switch is lower than a predetermined pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Jen-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 6470925
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting sewage in a vacuum system, which comprises a source (2) of sewage, which through sewer piping (1) is connected to a collecting or discharge space (15) for sewage, and means (4,5) for generating vacuum in the sewer piping (1). In order to attain a reliably operating system the method employs a rotary lobe pump (4,5) for generating vacuum, transported through the rotary lobe pump (4,5) to the collecting or discharge space (15) for sewage. The rotary lobe pump can also be used for emptying the collecting space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Evac International Oy
    Inventors: Jouni Hyvärinen, Tommi Naski
  • Patent number: 6467497
    Abstract: A buffer box for use in a vacuum drainage system. The buffer box defines a reservoir of known effective size which provides substantially consistently sized slugs of liquid which may be efficiently pulled up a vertical lift. The buffer box includes an outlet and an air intake orifice which may be sized relative to one another so that only liquid from the reservoir is evacuated. The outlet has an upper edge which may be spaced from a base portion of the buffer box at a height which optimizes liquid velocity out of the box and defines a level above which only water is evacuated from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Evac International Oy
    Inventors: Jay D. Stradinger, Douglas M. Wallace, Michael B. Hancock
  • Publication number: 20020148528
    Abstract: A system for periodically maintaining non-fuel fluids required for proper performance by various apparatus and for reporting non-fuel fluid maintenance action taken. Maintenance systems include means for replacing, replenishing or renewing non-fuel fluids or renewing non-fuel fluid filters. Reporting systems include means for communicating information between on- and off-apparatus sub-systems and for generating reports that document non-fuel fluid maintenance actions taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: John H. Matthews, L. William Silzle, John R. Martin, Albert L. Ruff
  • Patent number: 6463965
    Abstract: A fuel tank having an inlet and an outlet is connected to a separate pressure vessel by means of a pump. Fuel vapors are pumped out of the tank and into the pressure vessel while the tank is being filled via the inlet, so that fuel vapors cannot escape during filling. After filling, the inlet is closed and the pressure in the tank is increased to about 4 bar by means of a pressure regulator in a line connecting the pressure vessel to the fuel tank. The pump is then switched off and the fuel can be delivered to the engine via the outlet under the increased fuel pressure in the tank, the pressure being reduced to fuel system pressure by a pressure regulator in the outlet line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignees: Siemens AG, Vodafone AG
    Inventors: Christian Rasche, Bernd Wiemann, Holger Klos, Hans-Dieter Wilhelm, Karl Eck, Thomas Zapp, Bernd Rumpf
  • Publication number: 20020144716
    Abstract: A vacuum transfer system for transferring food grade products. A biased ball in a cage with a substantially uninterrupted cage wall is utilized as a check valve. The ball may be biased by a weight to float in a predictable orientation relative to the cage. The biased ball assures that a certain portion of the ball will consistently engage with and aperture. The biased ball also minimizes chattering of the ball in the cage under high flow conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Marcus J. Engle
  • Publication number: 20020139435
    Abstract: An attachment (3) for a vacuum gun (2), for evacuating and containing a fluid from a reservoir of fluid, such as brake fluid from a brake system. The attachment (3) has a body (21, 25) with an inlet (22) for the fluid and an outlet (24) that may be sealingly attached to a front end of a gun (2). The attachment (3) also has a coupling (26), a container (27) which is releasably attachable to the coupling (26), a first passage (33, 34) extending between the inlet (22) and the container (27), a second passage (35, 36) extending between the container (27) and the outlet (24), and a tap (70) which may be moved to either close or open the said passages (33, 34, 35, 36). In use, the gun (2) generates a vacuum within the attachment (3) and when the tap (70) is in the open position, the fluid may be collected within the container (27). A float valve (83) within the second passage (35) ensures that the container (27) cannot overfill with fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: David Mitchell, Alan Grieves
  • Publication number: 20020134458
    Abstract: An attachment (3) for a vacuum gun (2), for introducing new coolant into a cooling system of a vehicle after spent coolant has been drained from the cooling system. The attachment (3) comprises: a body (4) having a first inlet (36) for air left in the cooling system of the vehicle after spent coolant has been drained from the cooling system; a second inlet (37) for the new coolant; an outlet (38); a passage (39) connecting the outlet (38) to each of the inlets (36, 37); and, a jumper valve (40) located within the passage (39). The jumper valve (40) is moveable between a first closed position and a second open position, and it is biased with a coil spring (41) to remain in the first position. Whilst a vacuum is applied to the attachment (3) by the vacuum gun (2), the jumper valve (40) is in the second position and air may be drawn from the cooling system to form a partial vacuum within the cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: David Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6454141
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispersing and feeding dry powders without using pressurized air are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample holder, a suction probe, a vacuum means and a positional means. The suction probe is positioned above dry powders in the sample holder, a space between the suction probe and the sample holder is substantially small that allows non-pressurized ambient air to form an high velocity downward air flow when a vacuum is applied to the suction probe. A change of air flow direction at an orifice of the suction probe generates a high shear force above the dry powders, which disperses the dry powders into an airstream. The apparatus feeds the dry powder airstream to a particle analyzer with a controlled rate. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in sizing particles using laser diffraction or image analysis techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Coulter International Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Breen, Brian Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6446682
    Abstract: This invention provides a fluid system for exchanging used hydraulic fluid with fresh hydraulic fluid in an accessed hydraulic circuit. One particular application provides an exchange apparatus for exchanging fluids of the type found in motor vehicle hydraulic circuits. The exchange apparatus may utilize pressurized spent fluid flow as a fluid power medium to activate the auto-replenishing fluid exchanger system to replace the spent fluid with fresh fluid at equalized flow rates. Alternatively, the exchange apparatus may utilize pressurize fresh fluid as a fluid power medium to activate the exchange system. Additional power may be supplied by an external boost pump to supplement the flow of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: James P. Viken
  • Patent number: 6446683
    Abstract: An attachment (3) for a vacuum gun (2), for evacuating and containing a fluid from a reservoir of fluid, such as brake fluid from a brake system. The attachment (3) has a body (21, 25) with an inlet (22) for the fluid and an outlet (24) that may be sealingly attached to a front end of a gun (2). The attachment (3) also has a coupling (26), a container (27) which is releasably attachable to the coupling (26), a first passage (33, 34) extending between the inlet (22) and the container (27), a second passage (35, 36) extending between the container (27) and the outlet (24), and a tap (70) which may be moved to either close or open the said passages (33, 34, 35, 36). In use, the gun (2) generates a vacuum within the attachment (3) and when the tap (70) is in the open position, the fluid may be collected within the container (27). A float valve (83) within the second passage (35) ensures that the container (27) cannot overfill with fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: ABW Australia Pty LTD
    Inventors: David Mitchell, Alan Grieves
  • Patent number: 6443192
    Abstract: Provided is a method and an apparatus for loading a tank with brake fluid in an air-free manner which is accomplished by providing a flexible diaphragm in a tank and vacuuming air out underneath the diaphragm to draw new fluid into the tank so that it can be loaded for use in pressurized flushing of brake systems on vehicles. Another aspect of the method and apparatus is an indicator on the top of the tank which warns the user when the tank is almost out of new brake fluid in order to avoid the problem in the prior art systems of running out of new brake fluid during the flushing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: Harold E. Erwin, Abram B. Kuipers
  • Patent number: 6443191
    Abstract: For making it feasible to suit to vacuum processing utilizing a system consisting of an exhaust section and a separable vacuum processing vessel section, to ensure flexibility of production, to prevent dust from attaching onto an article, so as to achieve increase in non-defective percentage of vacuum-processed articles, and also to suppress variability in vacuum processing characteristics among lots, an article is loaded into a movable vacuum processing vessel section, the vacuum processing vessel section is preliminarily pressure-reduced and moved, the vacuum processing vessel section is connected to an exhaust section, and communication is established between the vacuum processing vessel section and the exhaust section to perform vacuum processing. A first opening provided in the vacuum processing vessel section is connected to a second opening provided in the exhaust section and a vacuum seal valve of the first opening which is openable and closable, is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Murayama, Tatsuyuki Aoike, Toshiyasu Shirasuna, Kazuyoshi Akiyama, Takashi Ohtsuka, Daisuke Tazawa, Kazuto Hosoi, Yukihiro Abe
  • Patent number: 6435223
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of replacing old fluid in a transmission system by feeding clean fluid into the system from a clean fluid tank using a pump and draining the old fluid into a waste tank and using a processor to monitor the clean fluid pressure in the clean tank and the old fluid pressure in the waste tank and adjusting the pump's speed using the processor such that the old fluid is drained at substantially the same rate as the clean fluid is fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Motorvac Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo Betancourt, John Rome
  • Publication number: 20020108675
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a fluid, such as degraded oil, from an oil filter to be replaced, removably mounted on an engine, during removal of the oil filter, the apparatus including a housing defining a receptacle adapted to receive the fluid; and a securing member mounted on the housing for releasibly attaching the housing to the oil filter in receiving relation to the fluid during removal of the oil filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Richard J. Yribarren, Mitchell R. Yribarren
  • Patent number: 6431224
    Abstract: A system is used for removing catalyst from a tubular reactor vessel. A power box with a 110 volt to a 12 volt DC transformer is mounted outside the vessel and connected to a 110 volt power supply. An air manifold, also mounted outside the vessel, is connected to a high-pressure air supply and connects to several valves with a separate connection to the power box. Several workstations are placed on the tube sheet within the vessel. The workstation has a frame, a drum and reel assembly mounted on the frame along with a 12 volt DC motor. An air lance hose passes into the drum and reel assembly and, at the other end, connects to an air lance and vacuum assembly. A high pressure air hose connects the drum and reel assembly to one of the valves located outside of the vessel. A controller connects to the 12 volt DC motor to power the drum and reel assembly. The controller is also connected to the power box located outside the vessel and to a foot control. A seat is mounted on the drum and reel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Catalyst Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Fry
  • Publication number: 20020104584
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstituting a multiple component material is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention discloses an apparatus utilizing an operator controllable pressurization device to generate a pressure differential between two receptacles attached to the device. The receptacles may contain individual components of a multiple component material, and may include liquid-liquid or liquid-solid compounds. The apparatus includes a material transfer lumen attachable to a first and second component receptacle. A pressurization lumen is connected to one of the component receptacles to facilitate material transfer. One embodiment of the present invention utilizes a negative pressure differential created in the second receptacle to facilitate transfer. In another embodiment, a positive pressure is created in the first receptacle to force material transfer between the two receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Baxter Healthcare
    Inventors: Richard Spero, Adam Hagmann, Terry E. Laas
  • Publication number: 20020104579
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid moving device for use with inflatable articles. The fluid moving device includes a fluid intake port, a motor and impeller assembly, and a fluid transfer orifice that provides the fluid. The fluid moving device also includes a power switch. The fluid moving device may be provided with a hand-holdable housing. The fluid moving device may also be provided with a battery compartment sized and arranged to fit a standard size set of batteries, and a removable battery container. The removable battery container may be sized and arranged to adapt differently sized batteries to the battery compartment. The power switch may also be a self-sealing power switch that seals the intake port when the power switch is in a deactivated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6422273
    Abstract: A gaseous-material evacuation system includes a filter assembly (44) with a housing (56) containing filter material (58) with a downstream porous filter member (60) at a downstream side of the filter material. The filter assembly includes a valve (64) with a movable valve member (66) for moving in a direction of gas flow and having a breadth area dimension that is at least as great as that of the downstream surface of the downstream porous filter member. In a preferred embodiment, a spring member (68) presses the movable valve member (66) against the porous filter member (60), thereby stopping gaseous flow, but yields when gaseous materials are driven through the filter at a predetermined pressure. The valve member is mounted in a sub-compartment (72) of the housing, which is of a single-piece housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Michael C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6418978
    Abstract: A device for packaging and dispensing at least one fluid substance. The device has at least one container filled with a substance by a vacuum-filling process, a pump associated with the container and having a pump chamber into which the substance is drawn prior to being delivered to the outside, and an anti-vacuum valve-forming device organized to isolate the pump chamber(s) of the pump(s) from the inside(s) of the associated container(s) when a vacuum is established therein for filling purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Christian Bailly
  • Patent number: 6418982
    Abstract: A process of bulk filling containers which includes the steps of arranging a number of containers upside down in a tray (24) that has a raised peripheral lip (26). This tray full of containers is then placed in a vacuum chamber (28) which is then evacuated to a predetermined level below atmospheric pressure. Liquid (36) is then introduced into the tray through a reservoir (38) and conduit (40) which penetrates the wall of the vacuum chamber and the vacuum within the chamber is gradually released at a rate that draws the liquid into the containers. At this point in the process unwanted liquid is rinsed away and the tray is removed from the chamber and turned right side up. The final step is to seal the top of the containers with an appropriate cap, barrier, tip or connection. A second embodiment adds a step to the process by positioning the containers upside down in a rack (74) and positioning the rack directly above the tray containing the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Y. Zhang, Mary Ziping Luo, Frank Z Xia
  • Patent number: 6412669
    Abstract: A liquid sucking and dispensing device includes a body having a passage and an air inlet and an air outlet are respectively located one two ends of the body. A first valve is engaged with the passage at a mediate section of the passage and a second valve is engaged with the passage at a second end of the body. An opening is defined radially through the body and communicates with the passage and an interior of a container. When the second valve closes the passage, pressurized air enters the container to push liquid in the container out from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Chia-Chiung Chuang
  • Publication number: 20020079017
    Abstract: Draining of the waste tank of a recreational vehicle is improved by using a motor to operate the waste hose. The motor causes the proximal end of the hose to be extended from its housing in the RV while the distal end remains attached to the waste tan. The extended proximal end can then be inserted into the access pipe of a sewer system for draining the waste tank. The motor will retract the hose when the waste tank has been emptied. The motor is operable either by throwing a switch on the motor or pressing a button on a remote control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Reginald E. Fields
  • Patent number: 6408872
    Abstract: A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from a collapsible, flexible, air-tight bag using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the bag. A filter is placed on the valve body to prevent small particles from the bag from clogging the valve or the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: New West Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Janet L. Skeens, Gerald W. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20020069933
    Abstract: A FOUP opener opens and closes a FOUP door which closes a front opening portion of a FOUP which contains a plurality of semiconductor wafers. The FOUP opener includes a dock plate for carrying and positioning the FOUP; a dock moving mechanism for moving the dock plate to a position for detachment/attachment of the FOUP door; a port door including a detachment/attachment mechanism for detaching/attaching the FOUP door and a holder mechanism for holding the FOUP door; a port plate including an opening portion, the opening portion being closed by the port door; a port door horizontal-movement mechanism for horizontally moving the port door; and a port door vertical-movement mechanism for vertically moving the port door with the port door holding the FOUP door, so as to house the FOUP door. The port door includes a seal member for sealing a space defined between an outside wall of the FOUP door and an outside wall of the port door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: HIRATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsunori Otaguro
  • Publication number: 20020069932
    Abstract: In the coolant circulating apparatus for supplying a coolant in a tank to a heat load connected to the tank through a feed pipe and a return pipe in a circulating manner to cool the heat load, the coolant building up in the feed pipe, the heat load, and the return pipe is caused to flow back into the tank and recovered by supplying compressed gas from a compressed gas supply source into the feed pipe through a recovery gas duct when operation of the apparatus is completed and changes in a liquid level in the tank caused by supply and recovery of the coolant to and from the heat load are absorbed by supplying or discharging compressed gas from and into a liquid level regulating gas duct into and from a liquid level regulating chamber to thereby push the coolant out from the liquid level regulating chamber or cause the coolant to flow into the liquid level regulating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Watanabe, Masaki Noguchi, Yoshiaki Sueoka
  • Publication number: 20020069931
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for breaching and venting sealed inner containers disposed within a drum, where the drum is evacuated to created a pressure differential resulting in expansion and rupture of the inner containers. The temperature may also be reduced to below freezing in the drum to reduce the elasticity of the inner containers, and the drum may also be pressurized to implode and rupture the inner containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Publication number: 20020066493
    Abstract: A process is provided for filling an at least partially collapsible container comprising one or more fill and/or dispense apertures. The collapsible container is evacuated prior to refilling the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy Hewlitt, Steven Kelsey, William Maskell, Jerard O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6390149
    Abstract: Devices for emptying a container of viscous fluid in an ambient medium where there exists an atmosphere under pressure and a force of gravity. The device of the invention is essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises a receptacle 1 having a main volume 2 comprising top and bottom portions 3 and 4 and in which a separation wall 5 defines two secondary volumes 6 and 7, an orifice 8 made through the wall 5 to put the two secondary volumes 6 and 7 into communication, and opening out into the secondary volume 7 in the top portion 3 of the main volume, a pump 10 mounted to co-operate with the receptacle 1, its suction inlet 11 being in the volume 6 and its outlet 12 opening out to the outside 13 of the receptacle 1, a tube 14, and means 17 for mounting the tube 14 in association with the receptacle 1 so that its outlet opening 16 is situated in the secondary volume 7 and its inlet opening 15 lies outside the receptacle 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Arbey Thierry
    Inventors: Thierry Arbey, Patick Gastaldello
  • Patent number: 6391629
    Abstract: The invention relates to a static unit (1) for the production of anaerobic, micro-aerophilic or other atmospheres (e.g., CO2) in a mobile interchangeable container, which is connected, at a lid of the unit to the system for the production of the desired atmosphere in the interior of the interchangeable container. The invention also relates to an interchangeable container particularly suitable for such a device. The static unit (1) can receive mobile interchangeable containers in an aperture provided for this purpose, in which the desired atmosphere in the interior is produced fully automatically. A vacuum-operated docking cylinder automatically couples the interchangeable container, which has an internal gas supply channel for the system (4) for the production of the desired atmosphere and is pressed gas-tight against an area of the interchangeable container lid having gas inlets and outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Alois Jenny
  • Patent number: 6390145
    Abstract: A clean box has a container including a container body opened at one surface and a lid for closing the opening of the container body. An annular groove is formed in at least one of the container body and the lid so as to surround the opening. An elastic seal member is disposed within the annular groove along its whole length. A cross-section in a width direction of the elastic seal member has relatively thick end portions and a relatively thin intermediate portion in its dimension in a depth direction of the annular groove. Thus, when the lid closes the opening of the container body, an annular suction space is defined along the intermediate portion of the seal member. Also, the suction space is sealed by elastic deformation of the both end portions of the seal member between the container body and the lid. Further, the clean box has an intake/exhaust port mechanism for evacuation/release of the suction space from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Okabe, Toshihiko Miyajima, Hiroshi Igarashi
  • Patent number: 6382271
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of replacing old fluid in a transmission system by feeding clean fluid into the system from a clean fluid tank using a pump and draining the old fluid into a waste tank and using a processor to monitor the clean fluid pressure in the clean tank and the old fluid pressure in the waste tank and adjusting the pump's speed using the processor such that the old fluid is drained at substantially the same rate as the clean fluid is fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Motorvac Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo Betancourt, John Rome
  • Patent number: 6382272
    Abstract: A motor truck has a frame supporting an enclosed housing having two compartments accommodating a fuel tank, an oil tank in one compartment and a container for sand in the other compartment for servicing a rail locomotive located at a remote location or rail yard. Pumps mounted located in the one compartment move the fuel, oil, and water from the tanks through hoses to tanks on the locomotive. Air flowing from an air compressor moves sand from the sand container into a sand hopper on the locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: M-Bar-D Railcar Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Dahlin, William S. Pladson
  • Patent number: 6382266
    Abstract: Piping system for chemical liquids, in particular oil products, such as fuels, at least including a double-walled plastic conveyor pipe (3) with an inlet and an outlet, the double-walled pipe (3) having, in the double wall, one or more intermediate spaces extending along the length of the pipe (3), in which the piping system furthermore includes a gas-conveying system which has a gas-suction device which is connected to the intermediate spaces in such a manner that, in operation, gas can be sucked through the intermediate spaces. A piping system of this nature is suitable in particular for underground use at a petrol station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Petrus Johannes Bus
  • Patent number: 6382267
    Abstract: Hydraulic mounts which include a body member, a partition, a diaphragm and a base member are placed on an apparatus for supporting the body member loosely assembled with the partition, diaphragm and base member. A head member engages the body member and the base member in temporary fluid sealing relationship while air is evacuated from internal chambers of the mount and hydraulic fluid is flowed into the chambers. The head member may then be moved away from the base member and a final assembly of the mount provided by crimping a peripheral upper edge of the body member in forcible engagement with the base member, the partition and the diaphragm. The mount may include spaced apart projections to allow fluid to flow between the partition and the body member during the air evacuation and fluid fill process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Childers, John A. Walterbusch, Raymond H. Louis, Charles J. Cornor