Evacuation Apparatus Patents (Class 141/65)
  • Publication number: 20110126939
    Abstract: Devices and methods for the sealing of a container are disclosed. The devices and methods include stoppers that allow for removal of air from the container with a vacuum source. Various embodiments comprise a high-volume valve allowing for expeditious evacuation of the air. The stopper may also comprise a low vacuum indicator to indicate to the user whether the vacuum internal to the container is at or above a desired amount. The stopper may also comprise other indicators, such as a day of the week or month indicator. A rotating bezel may be used to identify temporal or other types of events, such as when the container was first opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Armando Luis
  • Patent number: 7950422
    Abstract: A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with a vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formations, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice Perlman, Keith S. Attee
  • Patent number: 7946316
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Retail Inkjet Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Herb Sarnoff, Jason Guhse, Brian J. Fox, Scott Shultz, Cecilia Gonzales, George N. Popa, III, Keith Kopitzke, Keith Emery
  • Patent number: 7938148
    Abstract: A method of thermally insulating the annular space in an element of an assembly of two coaxial pipes, the space being filled with a porous thermally insulating material, under low absolute gas pressure in which method the following steps are performed: a) the pipe element is inclined, preferably at an angle ? of 5° to 30°, the annular space being closed at each end by respective closure pieces; and b) substantially all of the annular space is filled with the insulating material in the form of particles in bulk; and c) preferably said particles of insulating material are shaken, at least intermittently, as the annular space is filled in order to compact the insulating material, the annular space being maintained under high vacuum during filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Saipem S.A.
    Inventors: Boris Carlier, Benoit Landreau
  • Patent number: 7937914
    Abstract: To enhance evacuation of a storage bag having a one-way valve element and to reduce noise during evacuation, a handheld evacuation device includes one or more gaskets that can be made of resilient material. A gasket can be disposed about the rim of an inlet opening of the evacuation device to provide both a leak-free interface between the evacuation device and the storage bag and to reduce vibration and chatter of the evacuation device against a rigid support surface. A gasket can also be provided intermediately between a main body portion of the evacuation device and a nozzle portion that is to be placed adjacent to the storage bag during use. The intermediate gasket isolates vibrations in the main body portion thereby reducing vibrations and chatter of the evacuation device against a rigid support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Savicki, Scott Binger
  • Patent number: 7931052
    Abstract: A container is provided for storing items in a vacuum state. The container includes a receptacle with associated lid. A lever and clamp act together as a toggle to exert a relatively high closure force on the lid. The container includes a vacuum pump, preferably within a base of the container. A switch is provided to activate and deactivate the pump which is activated by the lever when the lever is pivoted to a closed position. A sensor is optionally also provided to shut off the pump when a sufficiently low pressure is reached. The lid includes a bleed port which is closed by the clamp when the lid is closed. When the lever and clamp are pivoted to an open position, this bleed port is opened so that pressure equalization occurs and the lid can be easily opened without fighting atmospheric pressure forces acting on the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce A. Schooley
  • Publication number: 20110067779
    Abstract: A system including a vapor recovery valve having a valve body with a fluid flow path and a vapor flow path. The fluid flow path and the vapor flow path are generally fluidly isolated from each other. The vapor recovery valve further includes a vapor control valve positioned in the vapor flow path. The vapor control valve is movable between a first position wherein the vapor control valve at least partially impedes the flow of vapor therethrough and a second position wherein the vapor control valve does not impede or less impedes the flow of vapor therethrough compared to when the vapor control valve is in the first position. The vapor recover valve includes an actuator magnetically coupled to the vapor control valve. The actuator is configured such that sufficient fluid flow through the fluid flow path in a first direction causes the actuator to move the vapor control valve from the first position to the second position in a second direction that is generally not the same as the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: DELAWARE CAPITAL FORMATION, INC.
    Inventor: John M. Gray
  • Patent number: 7905258
    Abstract: A ventilation assembly for a machine for the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals. The ventilation assembly includes a suction apparatus and release apparatus for generating a circulation of air within a vacuum dispensing chamber, a product filling calibrator accommodated in the dispensing chamber and presenting a cavity accommodating a container to be filled with radiopharmaceutical, and a suction conduit adapted to connect a bottom portion of the accommodating cavity to the suction apparatus for creating a one-way flow in the accommodating cavity. Also, a machine that includes the ventilation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Comecer S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Bedeschi
  • Patent number: 7895815
    Abstract: Devices comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. One embodiment utilizes a plug that occludes an opening in a housing. The plug is displaced from the opening to inject or evacuate air from a container. An alternative embodiment utilizes a plug having air channels therein which can be sealed once air has been injected into or evacuated from a container. The devices are utilized with hose adaptors connected to vacuum or air hoses having specialized hose tips for coupling with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph M. Waldron
  • Publication number: 20110045143
    Abstract: A packaged bottled beverage has a base component of the beverage in a container under vacuum separate from an additive in a sealed compartment of an ingredient release closure. Upon opening the sealed compartment, suction is created forcing the additive to quickly and thoroughly exit the ingredient release closure, a region of relatively higher pressure, and flow into the base component in the container, a region of relatively lower pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: James Clayton Bell
  • Patent number: 7882861
    Abstract: The vacuum storage system comprises: a vacuum pump, a vacuum bus, a control system to monitor and maintain a selected vacuum level in the vacuum bus. The control system provides system shutdown and alerts or warnings when the selected vacuum level cannot be maintained within the vacuum bus. The vacuum storage system further comprises one or more canister ports wherein each of the canister ports comprises a check valve to assure that no loss of vacuum occurs in occupied canister ports when one or more of the canister ports are unoccupied and open to ambient pressure, a manual valve, and a fitment for removably attaching a canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: David C. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7878225
    Abstract: A device and method for vacuuming solid particles out of a chemical reactor tube. One embodiment comprises the step of substantially reducing the vacuum level applied to the vacuum conduit when the conduit reaches a desired depth within the reactor tube by using means responsive to the depth to which the vacuum conduit is inserted into the reactor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tubemaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford L. Johns, Daniel D. Sympson, August M. Dattilo, III, Munaf Najmuddin Chasmawala, Manfred Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7874324
    Abstract: A rack for preparing samples for analysis is provided. The rack includes a frame, a sliding assembly, a first and a second receptacle mounted in the frame underneath the sliding assembly; and means for selectively connecting each receptacle with a vacuum source. The sliding assembly is mounted for sliding in the frame and is provided with a plate having a plurality of columns for receiving samples through an upper opening of the columns. The sliding assembly is movable between a first position above the first receptacle and a second position above the second receptacle. The sliding assembly is provided with engagement means for a needle, wherein the engagement means are located outside the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Gilson, Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Kubacki
  • Patent number: 7871303
    Abstract: Heavier noble gases such as xenon and argon can reduce the run-in period for vacuum tubes and in particular flame detector tubes. The tubes can be filled with a run-in gas and then run-in. The run-in gas can then be exchanged for an end gas, such as neon, and the tube sealed. A final conditioning step of running in the tube with the end gas can further smooth the tube's anode and cathode to thereby improve performance and operating life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Barrett E. Cole
  • Patent number: 7849890
    Abstract: An assembly includes a sensor element operable to generate a signal in response to moisture being present at a predetermined level within a sealed housing, and a valve element coupled to the housing and, in response to the signal, operable to enable at least a portion of the moisture to exit the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Allen Jones
  • Patent number: 7849889
    Abstract: A machine and process function to fill cavities with metered amounts of particulate material. An applicator wheel includes a series of equally spaced apart peripheral pockets each having a perforated bottom wall, and a vacuum manifold inside the wheel includes a vacuum chamber for supplying vacuum to the perforated bottom walls of the pockets as the wheel rotates. Particulate material from a filling chamber of such material outside the wheel is withdrawn into the pockets by the vacuum chamber. A downstream vacuum relief on the vacuum manifold functions to discharge particulate material from the pockets into the cavities at a predetermined discharge location on the wheel. Adjustment structure is connected to rotatably adjust the position of the vacuum manifold within the applicator wheel to thereby advance or retard the discharge location depending upon the speed of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Barry S. Smith, Martin T. Garthaffner, Ahmet Ercelebi, Steven Spiers, Jeremy Straight
  • Patent number: 7836921
    Abstract: A powder filling apparatus and a powder filling method which enable powder to be densely filled in a short period of time is to be provided. This is a powder filling apparatus having a pressure hopper wherein the pressure hopper has a discharger for discharging powder and a gas inlet positioned above at least the surface of a powder layer formed by the powder in the pressure hopper; the powder layer is so formed as to blockade the discharger in the pressure hopper; in the powder filling apparatus, the inside of the pressure hopper is pressurized by leading in gas through the gas inlet in a state in which the discharger is closed, and the powder layer so formed as to blockade the discharger is discharged by opening the discharger after the pressurization thereby to utilize that pressure to load the powder into the filling container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Isomura, Manabu Jimba, Masashi Koseki, Kei Jomen, Yutaka Ban
  • Patent number: 7811532
    Abstract: Fluid flow valve assembly comprising a valve body having an external port and an inlet end having at least a first port, a second port, and a third port; a first valve disposed within the valve body and adapted to control fluid flow between the first and second ports; and a second valve disposed within the valve body and adapted to control fluid flow between the third port and the external port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Alexander Kerr, Benjamin James Arthur, Athanasios Georgios Tsirukis, James Robert Leenhouts, Jeffrey Ronald Phillips
  • Patent number: 7806151
    Abstract: The drum cap venting device generally includes a venting cap assembly. The venting cap assembly can include a venting cap and a venting key. The venting cap generally includes a main body portion, a valve portion and a ring portion. The venting key generally includes a key body portion and a venting tube. The venting key is rotatably engageable with the valve portion of the venting cap such that rotation of the key provides a passageway of continuous fluid communication from the drum, through conduits in the venting cap, and out the venting tube of the venting key. As a result, any release or evacuation of pressurized gasses from the drum is directed away from the user to a safe area or device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Hennen, Jeffrey J. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 7806150
    Abstract: A method for packing and/or mixing particulate materials, e.g., aerogel particles, includes combining materials having different particle sizes and applying a negative pressure differential in the presence of a sound field. A negative pressure differential in the presence of vibration also can be used. The method increases mixing and packing density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignees: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Pfeffer, Jameel Menashi, Qun Yu
  • Patent number: 7798117
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for draining a fuel storage of an injection system of an internal combustion engine for an automobile, particularly a motor vehicle, having at least one injection valve. It is provided that the draining is carried out by means of suctioning off the fuel, wherein the injection valve is placed into the open position, or is placed into the open position at least once for venting the injection system during the suctioning off process. The invention further relates to a corresponding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Uwe Gerstberger, Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7775246
    Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: John S. Fitch
  • Patent number: 7770608
    Abstract: A portable device for delivering nitrogen to multiple tires includes a gas source and supply line connected to a controller. The device also includes a gas delivery line comprising a manifold with a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with each other. A gas delivery line is operably connected to the controller and a plurality of extension lines with engagement chucks are operably connected to the outlets. The controller controls the supply of gas to the gas delivery line and controls a relief valve for venting the gas delivery line. The device also includes a sensor and a processor connected the controller and sensor which accepts user inputs. The controller, manifold and processor are affixed to a stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Kreska Technologies
    Inventor: Jay Lighter
  • Patent number: 7765777
    Abstract: Devices comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. One embodiment utilizes a plug that occludes an opening in a housing. The plug is displaced from the opening to inject or evacuate air from a container. An alternative embodiment utilizes a plug having air channels therein which can be sealed once air has been injected into or evacuated from a container. The devices are utilized with hose adaptors connected to vacuum or air hoses having specialized hose tips for coupling with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph M. Waldron
  • Patent number: 7757725
    Abstract: A manual vacuum device is introduced to provide vacuum isolation in a container. The manual vacuum device comprises a lower cover disposed on the container and an upper cover rotatably disposed on the lower cover to form a first air chamber. The lower cover includes a first air channel fluidly communicating the container with the first air chamber and a first check valve disposed within the first air channel to prevent air from flowing back to the container. The upper cover includes a second air channel fluidly communicating the first air chamber with the external environment and a second check valve disposed within the second air channel to prevent air in the external environment from flowing back to the first air chamber. The air in the container exhausts to the external environment by the rotational movement of the upper cover relative to the lower cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: Kuo-Liang Wang, Wei-Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 7757730
    Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: John S. Fitch
  • Publication number: 20100175780
    Abstract: The apparatus for filling a motor vehicle cooling system includes a communication body, a valve, a flexible connecting hose, a pressure gauge, a relief valve and a hanging portion, in which the valve, the connecting hose, the pressure gauge, the relief valve and the hanging portion are all disposed on predetermined positions of the communication body, while the connecting hose is extended out of the communication body for a distance and it connects to a top opening of the cooling system tightly by a metallic cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Lai-Cheng LIU
  • Patent number: 7756717
    Abstract: A system (10) for ensuring the quality of lubricating oil in an engine of a locomotive without the need for specialized diagnostic and fluid handling systems on the locomotive. A test portion (28) of lubricating oil is removed from the engine and is analyzed at an oil analysis center (26) to determine an oil quality parameter (32). The oil quality parameter is used as an input to a calculator (34) to determine a quantity of oil (36) that must be replaced by fresh oil during a current maintenance outage in order to ensure that the engine oil quality will remain acceptable throughout a forthcoming operating period. In this manner, a complete change-out of the lubricating oil may be delayed or avoided. The oil replacement decision and quantity is communicated to a service center (18) via a communications link such as the Internet (40) prior to the arrival of the locomotive at the service center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bhupinder Singh Dayal, John Paul Kralik, Keith A. Condran, Robert Douglas Cryer, Thomas Charles Sonney
  • Patent number: 7753088
    Abstract: A system and method for filling hydrodynamic bearings with fluid. The fluid filling system includes a vacuum vessel for receiving the hydrodynamic bearing therein, a pump hermetically connected to the vacuum vessel and exhausting air from the vacuum vessel to the outside, an ultrasonic generator for generating vibrations in the vacuum vessel, and a fluid dispenser for dripping the fluid into the hydrodynamic bearing. When air is exhausted from the vacuum vessel to the atmosphere by the pump, the hydrodynamic bearing is vibrated by the ultrasonic generator and air is exhausted from a micro-gap between the shaft and sleeve of the bearing the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Hyeong Lim, Ho Kyung Jang
  • Patent number: 7743796
    Abstract: Air is removed from a bottle by placing the apparatus over the bottle in a manner similar to that of a cork. A switch is activated by placement of the apparatus over the bottle and causes a pump to evacuate air from an interior of the bottle. A pressure sensor senses reduced pressure and shuts off the pump when a sufficiently low pressure is reached. An indicator also visually indicates that a vacuum state exists within the bottle. A temperature probe is provided, coupled to a display for visual readout of temperature of liquid within the bottle. A tilt sensor is provided to shut off the pump if the apparatus is tilted excessively. A button is provided which can be depressed to cause air to return into space in the bottle to return the bottle interior back to atmospheric pressure for removal of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce A. Schooley
  • Patent number: 7726355
    Abstract: A pump and stopper combination for vacuum or pressure sealing a container. The stopper has a pour opening and a one-way valve movable between an operative position to permit one-way flow of fluid into or out of the container when the pour opening is in the closed position, and an inoperative position when the pour opening is in the open position. A vacuum/pressure pump that connects to the stopper includes a drive adapted to convert rotational movement of a motor to reciprocating motion of a pump piston in a chamber, and one-way pump valves mounted in a selectable flow control member. The selectable flow control member is movable between pressure and vacuum positions to permit passage of fluid only into or out of the pump chamber. The pump also includes an indicator for indicating when a desired level of vacuum or pressure has been reached The pump may be incorporated into a container lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Epicurean International Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony R. Lemme, Chester M. Fudge
  • Patent number: 7726356
    Abstract: A manually operated wine vacuum device that evacuates air from a partially filled bottle of wine or other oxygen-sensitive liquid prior to storage includes: (a) a body that defines a chamber; (b) a one-way de-aeration valve, and (c) a stopper that is adapted to be inserted into the interior of the bottle through the bottle's opening such that the interior of the bottle becomes in communication with the de-aeration valve which is configured so that gas flows into the chamber when the pressure in the chamber is lower than that of the interior of the bottle but gas does not flow into the interior of the bottle when the chamber is at a higher pressure. An open bottle abuts a collar formed in a recess region of the body as the bottle is coupled to the stopper and a piston slidably disposed within the chamber removes gas from the interior of the chamber when the piston is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Kikkerland Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan van der Lande
  • Patent number: 7726354
    Abstract: A container lid assembly (2) that includes an integral pump (6P) so as to create pressure differential within a container. This pressure differential may be lower than atmospheric pressure so as to be at least a partial vacuum within the container. Alternatively, the pressure differential may be a state of higher than atmospheric pressure within the container. There are several features of the present invention that can be used in synergy, but are of value when implemented separately. These features include a pump configuration (120) that activates the reciprocating linear motion of the piston (10) by the rotational movement of a pump actuating element; a contents-dispensing mechanism (150) for removing contents from the container while maintaining the at least a partial vacuum within the container, a vacuum indicator, and a filter configured to filter the gases entering the pump from the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Haimi Shlomo
  • Patent number: 7721771
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved automatic suction structure of a vacuum container. The structure includes a pumping unit, a power supply, a vacuum releaser and a vacuum detector. The structure allows for automatic air suction, automatic detection, safety power disconnection and continuous vacuuming as well as easy operation. The present invention guarantees improved quality and convenient operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Shiu-Chu Tsay
  • Patent number: 7712290
    Abstract: A container packaging apparatus includes a side edge chuck member that positions and holds both side ends of an opening of a packaging bag in place during a deaeration operation, suppressing development of crimps in a sealed area of the packaging bag. A high level of sealing of the packaging bag and thus the packaging of a container case with a resultant high level of quality in a stable manner can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sumco Corporation
    Inventor: Shunichi Imao
  • Publication number: 20100108182
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of devices and methods for removing excess air from containers and/or for preserving liquids, paints, and other materials (including semi-liquids and even some solids) that might otherwise dry out, oxidize, or turn bad in some way after being opened, such as paint, wine, food, beverages, etc., when seals of the containers holding the same might be compromised over the passage of time and/or from use, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Noonan
  • Patent number: 7694700
    Abstract: Apparatus of the invention for transporting substrates (3) comprises a mini-environment enclosure (1) that is movable and that can be coupled to a conditioning station (22). The mini-environment enclosure (1) includes a micropump (12) whose inlet is connected to an inside cavity (2) that is to contain the substrate (3) to be transported. An energy supply (16) is also provided in the mini-environment enclosure (1) to power the micropump (12). The mini-environment enclosure (1) comprises a peripheral shell (4) open to two opposite main faces (5, 6), and including a closable side opening (7). A first main wall (8) is fitted to close the first main face (5) in leaktight manner. A second main wall (9) is fitted and secured to close the second main face (6) in leaktight manner. The first and second main walls are disposed in planes parallel to the plane containing the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Roland Bernard, Hisanori Kambara, Jean-Luc Rival, Catherine Le Guet
  • Patent number: 7694699
    Abstract: A system and method for filling hydrodynamic bearings with fluid are disclosed. The fluid filling system of the present invention includes a fluid storage tank to store fluid therein, a vacuum vessel to receive a hydrodynamic bearing therein, a fluid dispenser for connecting the fluid storage tank to the vacuum vessel and dripping the fluid into a micro-gap of the hydrodynamic bearing, a pump connected both to the fluid storage tank and to the vacuum vessel and separately exhausting air from both the fluid storage tank and the vacuum vessel to the outside, and a nitrogen storage tank for separately controlling pressure in both the fluid storage tank and the vacuum vessel, wherein the fluid storage tank is pressurized using nitrogen such that the pressure in the fluid storage tank becomes higher than the pressure in the vacuum vessel, thus causing the fluid to move to the vacuum vessel and to be dripped into the hydrodynamic bearing received in the vacuum vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Hyeong Lim, Dong Kil Son
  • Patent number: 7686042
    Abstract: The present invention is a contents-dispensing mechanism for removing contents from the container while maintaining the integrity of the vacuum state within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Shlomo Haimi
  • Publication number: 20100071803
    Abstract: A filling system for unpressurized hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Ludwig CLÜSSERATH, Dieter-Rudolf KRULITSCH
  • Patent number: 7681603
    Abstract: A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with a vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Deleware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice Perlman, Keith S. Attee
  • Patent number: 7677166
    Abstract: The invention is to provide an adjustable vacuum food storage container, comprising of a base, a socket mounted on the base, and a cover covering the socket; a vacuum controller, a pressure detective means, an out connector power means, a spare battery set, and a power switch are disposed on the base, and an exhaust valve are further added on upper cover; the pressure detective connected to the socket for auto-detecting the accommodation between the socket and the upper cover, and the vacuum controller combined to the pressure detective means for keep it at vacuum state at any moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Mei-Hua Tsai
  • Patent number: 7677165
    Abstract: A food storage device includes a housing defining an interior area accessible through a door coupled to the housing. The food storage device includes a vacuum pump in communication with the interior area for selectively removing air from the housing. A pressure activated switch is in communication with the vacuum pump and interior area for selectively actuating the pump. A humidifier is also positioned relative to the interior area for maintaining that area at a predetermined humidity level. A humidity sensor communicates with the humidifier for selectively actuating the humidifier to add moisture to the interior area so as to maintain a desired humidity level. The food storage includes a pressure equalizing valve in communication with the housing interior area and with an area external to the housing for equalizing a pressure inside the interior area with a pressure outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Spencer Adams
  • Patent number: 7676928
    Abstract: Oil which will serve as a lubricating fluid of a fluid dynamic pressure bearing is degassed in a first environment under a first pressure which is lower than atmospheric pressure. First and second members of the bearing are place in a second environment under a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure and higher than the pressure in the first environment. The degassed oil is supplied to the gap between bearing surfaces of the first and second members while the first and second members are in the second environment under pressure lower than atmospheric pressure and higher than the pressure in the first environment. Subsequently the pressure in the second environment is increased to force the oil into the gap between the bearing surfaces of the first and second members of the hydrodynamic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nidec Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Misu, Masaaki Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20100043917
    Abstract: A bottle air evacuation apparatus includes a stopper for a bottle with the stopper having a valve component associated with a central aperture through the stopper, along with a device for an upper portion of the stopper for actuating a vacuum pump device when the stopper is placed in a fixed receptor in a housing associated with the vacuum pump. The stopper acts to trigger an electrical sensor in the receptor and the housing is located within a wine storage facility, which can be a storage cabinet. The device for actuating the vacuum pump may be an inductive or conductive device and the stopper can be a resiliently compressible material. The conductive device is a metallic strip located about the exterior periphery of the stopper above the shoulder. The vacuum pump and the wine storage cabinet or freezer or refrigerator preferably share a common power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Gerard Kitchener, Anthony Kitchener
  • Publication number: 20100012220
    Abstract: A dimensionally stable receptacle for accommodating at least one flexible packing drum in an interior space of the receptacle comprises a bottom, a side wall at least one suction line leading into the interior space, at least one passage device, and at least one feed opening. At least one first docking coupling is located in or adjacent to the feed opening and/or forming the feed opening, for docking a first feeding conduit for bulk material such that, when a flexible packing drums located in the receptacle is coupled to the first docking coupling of the feed opening, the interior space may be sealed, in which a state of vacuum is obtainable through suction in the suction line. The invention further relates to a filling module and method for filling a flexible packing drum with bulk material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: GEA NIRO GMBH
    Inventors: Michael S. Waldron, Freddy Vandenbroucke, Jurgen Boeckx, Peter Lais, Martin Koch
  • Patent number: 7640946
    Abstract: A vacuum treating device, comprising a treatment container having a container body (111) and a lid (112) and allowing an internal pressure to be reduced and a lid support mechanism (130), wherein an upper opening (111a) formed in the container body can be closed airtight by the lid (112). The lid support mechanism (130) opens and closes the upper opening (111a) of the container body by moving the lid (112) so as to be translatingly moved in the vertical direction and, when the lid (112) is moved upward from the container body (111), supports the lid (112) so as to be rotated around a vertical axis disposed around the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Tetsuya Saito
  • Patent number: 7635011
    Abstract: An assembly for transferring solid particulate matter has a pressurized vessel for retaining a pre-determined quantity of the solid material. A transfer conduit connected to the vessel carries the solid material to a loading vessel, be it a processing tank, a storage vessel, or any other similar container. A discharge nozzle carried by a distant end of the transfer conduit has a plurality of perforations that allow removal of the dust particles by suction from the discharge nozzle. A separate dust removal conduit is secured immediately adjacent to the discharge nozzle for removal of the dust particles away from the discharge nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Jack Harris
  • Publication number: 20090293988
    Abstract: A fixed and/or stationary modular unit consists of a hydraulic fluid tank, a pressurization pump, and a compressed gas transportation system consisting of a cylinder or set of cylinders. Each cylinder has two ends, a charging end and a dispensing end, with actuated valves positioned at each end. A pair of valves are located at each charging end of each cylinder, with one valve connected to an incoming hydraulic fluid line and the other valve connected to a hydraulic fluid return line. A valve is connected at the dispensing end of each cylinder. Adapters at each end of the cylinder have curved J-tubes that extend into the cylinder. The J-tube on the charging end curves downward and the J-tube on the dispensing end curves upward. The cylinder or sets of cylinders are inclined to a desired level for the dispensing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: NEOgas Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Pang, ZhiQiang Shi, Mauricia Guerra
  • Patent number: 7624774
    Abstract: A portable device for delivering nitrogen to multiple tires includes a gas source and supply line connected to a controller. The device also includes a gas delivery line comprising a manifold with a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with each other. A gas delivery line is operably connected to the controller and a plurality of extension lines with engagement chucks are operably connected to the outlets. The controller controls the supply of gas to the gas delivery line and controls a relief valve for venting the gas delivery line. The device also includes a sensor and a processor connected the controller and sensor which accepts user inputs. The controller, manifold and processor are affixed to a stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Kreska Technologies
    Inventor: Jay Lighter