Fluent Charge Impelled Or Fluid Current Conveyed Into Receiver Patents (Class 141/67)
  • Patent number: 6723033
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering predetermined amounts of particulate material and/or plasticizer to a location remote from the particulate material, and a cigarette filter and a cigarette made according to the method and apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: George Robert Scott, Charles Gary Atwell, Martin T. Garthaffner
  • Patent number: 6719020
    Abstract: A device for inflating an elastic, translucent object, specifically a balloon which encloses a nozzle that can be inserted into an opening of the object, whose nozzle bore hole is connected to a compressed gas line, having a self-activating, resettable, release lever for manually controlling the compressed gas flow, designated in such a way so that the nozzle bore hole is connected to at least one paint cartridge, which can contain liquid paint and upon activation of the release lever the paint together with the compressed gas can flow into the inside of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Riccardo Bisotto
  • Patent number: 6715515
    Abstract: A chemical loading system includes a venturi located at the top of the solution tank to reduce the fluid mass that has to be lifted into the tank. An anti-bridging nozzle at the outlet of the eductor hopper assures that material is pushed into the vacuum created by the venturi. To reduce air space in the granular material and increase pull by the venturi vacuum, fluid is directed to the material through the anti-bridging nozzle and through a rinse ring around the top of the hopper. The rinse ring, also used to rinse the hopper after loading the material and provide structural rigidity, includes a rolled edge at the top of the hopper walls with notches in the edge of the ring to provide improved placement of rinsing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Kent Alvin Klemme, Joshua Jacob Engelbrecht
  • Publication number: 20040060265
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a receptacle with a powder comprises a hopper adapted to contain a powder pharmaceutical formulation, the hopper comprising an outlet. A vibratable member is positioned in, on, or near the hopper so that the vibratable member is spaced from powder in the hopper, and the vibratable member is capable of fluidizing the powder in the hopper. Powder flowing through the outlet under the control of the vibratable member flows into a receptacle or into a transfer chamber for transport to a receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: Andrew J. Boeckle, Dale W. Ploeger, Derrick J. Parks, Diane Brannigan
  • Patent number: 6712103
    Abstract: A gas container having a deformable outer container body, an inner bag, which has a gas barrier characteristic, and an outlet/inlet formed within the inner bag. A gas is charged into the inner bag through the outlet/inlet and discharged there by applying a pressure to the outer container body from outside. According to the invention, all of the gas held in the container can be used without leaving any remaining gas waste. In addition, the container can be re-used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Kunio Komaba
  • Publication number: 20040055663
    Abstract: An inflating needle assembly includes a retaining element, an inflating needle, and a retainer. The inflating needle includes a hollow shank extending from a threaded fitting. The retainer is coupled to the retaining element for securing the inflating needle to the retaining element for transportation or storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Edgar V. Gaines
  • Publication number: 20040050448
    Abstract: Apparatus has been provided for directing toner from a hopper containing a supply of toner to fill as well as cleanly cutoff filling of a container without post-cutoff dribbling. The apparatus includes (a) a conduit member connected to the hopper and having a discharging end for permitting a toner to be moved therethrough; (b) a conveyor device located at least partially within the conduit member for moving the toner from the hopper in a toner moving direction towards the container; and (c) an anti-dribbling nozzle device for directing the toner from the conveyor to cleanly fill the container. The anti-dribbling nozzle device includes a source of pressurized air, a controller, and a nozzle member that has a first end connected to the discharge end of the conduit member, a second and opposite end for dispensing moving toner into the container, and a nozzle wall connecting the first end to the second thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Wegman, Mikhail Vaynshteyn
  • Publication number: 20040045626
    Abstract: A multi-channel fluid dispenser includes a reservoir with multiple internal chambers, a multi-channel liquid dispensing head, a plurality of fluid-delivery conduits, and support and positioning elements. The fluid-delivery conduits receive liquid from the chambers in the reservoir and deliver it to the dispensing head. The support and positioning elements are operable to support and position the dispensing head so that it can deliver the liquid from the reservoir to an underlying receiver. The fluid-delivery conduits include one or more optional flow control features that improve the accuracy of the dispensing operation. The multi-channel liquid dispensing head, which includes a valve-support member, a plurality of valves and a plurality of nozzles, is advantageously movable in three directions to facilitate alignment with an underlying receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Ilya Feygin
  • Publication number: 20040040264
    Abstract: A fiber stuffing and fluffing machine utilized for fiber stuffing toys, pillows, and other skins having a venturi vacuum system, a unique agitation cavity and blade arrangement, and various unique mechanical and electrical features which provide improved stuffing and fluffing capabilities over the prior art. The art of the present invention is capable of integration into a single stand alone unit which performs improved fluffing and stuffing operations without the need for external pneumatic sources. The art of the present invention, in its various embodiments, also utilizes scroll compressors or turbine compressors heretofore not found in prior art stuffing and fluffing applications. The present art further provides means for separating foreign objects from the ingested stuffing fibers to protect the fluffer blower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Karl Collida, Edwin T. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6698466
    Abstract: A dispensing adapter for connecting pressurized containers to other valved systems such as automobile air conditioners is provided. The housing has a dispensing end, a receiving end, and fluid flow channel communicating between the dispensing end and the receiving end. The receiving end sealingly engages a first valve of a pressurized container, and the dispensing end sealingly engages a second valve such as a service port of an automobile air conditioner. When the dispensing end is attached to the service port, the core depressor opens the service port. A button, when depressed, pushes down and thus opens the valve on the pressurized container. The housing may be angled or straight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Cowan, Jochen Schapers, Saul Trachtenberg, Nikolay V. Nikolayev
  • Publication number: 20040035492
    Abstract: A metering machine comprising a frame on which a hopper is mounted that is organized to receive a food to be metered out, and that has a bottom in the vicinity of which at least one feed duct opens out for feeding food to a metering device, and at least one drum. According to the invention, the drum is mounted on the frame to pivot about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the feed duct so as to bring the chamber of said drum into a suction position in alignment with the feed duct, and into a delivery position offset angularly relative to said feed duct. The central hub of the drum is further equipped with a suction piston and with a delivery piston, which pistons slide between a deployed position inside the chamber in register and a retracted position out of said chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: TREMARK TECHNOLOGIES INC
    Inventor: Jean-Charles Marchadour
  • Publication number: 20040025964
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable pad with a built-in pump, mainly comprising an inflation unit and a air pump assembly inside the inflation unit. The inflation unit has an inflation chamber with laminated fringe while the air pump is composed of a protuberant pump chamber and an inflation/deflation channel. Especially, on one side of the pump chamber there are two pieces of unidirectional membrane tubing, A and B, in a reverse loop. The membrane tubing B is provided as a channel between the pump chamber and the inflation chamber. The membrane tubing A is installed inside the pump chamber so that one end connects to the pump chamber and the other end at the chamber edge connects to a piece of round tubing. The round tubing connects to the laminated edge of the inflation chamber and has an insertable hollow bolt so that an inflation access is formed. On the proper place of the round tubing surface, there is a vent hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Tang Chen
  • Publication number: 20040020554
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling spaced apart cavities with particulate material include a transport for moving the cavities along a path of travel. The cavities are partially filled with particulate material at an upstream location while applying vacuum underneath each cavity during such partial filling. The partially filled cavities are then completely filled with a downstream deposit of particulate material while applying vacuum to the upper sides of each cavity during such filling. The combination of vacuum applied underneath the cavity during partial fill and vacuum applied to the top sides of the cavity during complete fill produces approximately 100% cavity fill with minimal extraneous scatter of particulate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Barry S. Smith, Steve Spiers, Jeremy Straight, Janet Thompson, Ahmet Ercelebi, Martin T. Garthaffner, Lisa Rogers
  • Patent number: 6684913
    Abstract: Method for loading ceramic moulds presenting a die plate having at least one forming cavity in which a die is slidingly received, comprising the following operative steps for each complete loading cycle: preparing a powder layer at least the upper part of which has properties conforming to the required aesthetic characteristics of the exposed face of the tile; transferring said layer to above said at least one forming cavity; depositing into said at least one cavity a powder layer having a thickness greater than that necessary to obtain the desired tile thickness, and before pressing removing, by a mechanical cutting action with simultaneous removal of the thus separated material, the surface layer of the powder contained in the mould cavity, without appreciable mixing of the powder present at the interface between the surface layer and the underlying layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sacmi-Cooperativa Meccanici Imola-Soc. Coop. A.R.L.
    Inventor: Pietro Rivola
  • Patent number: 6684917
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluidized bed for dispensing small quantities of powders. The fluidized bed is made using a porous housing to permit injection and removal of fluid through the surrounding walls to improve the operation of the bed particularly for small particles of the group C size, including significantly reducing powder adhesion to the walls. In one aspect of the invention the fluidized bed housing is rotated about its longitudinal axis, which may be oriented at any suitable angle. A system for changing the volume of the bed is described as is a system for incorporating injection nozzles within the bed for constant agitation and prevention of powder adhering to the walls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Jesse Zhu, Jianzhang Wen, Ying Liang Ma, Hui Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040011425
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for directing toner from a hopper containing a supply of toner to fill as well as cleanly cutoff filling of a container without post-cutoff dribbling. The apparatus for the method includes (a) a conduit member connected to the hopper and having a discharging end for permitting a toner to be moved therethrough; (b) a conveyor device located at least partially within the conduit member for moving the toner from the hopper in a toner moving direction towards the container; (c) a nozzle device including a nozzle member for directing the toner from the conveyor to cleanly fill the container. The nozzle member is mounted within a housing and has a first end connected to the discharge end of the conduit member and a second and opposite end for dispensing moving toner into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Wegman, Mikhail Vaynshteyn
  • Patent number: 6679301
    Abstract: A powder packing apparatus of the present invention is capable of sending a gas uniformly into powder to thereby fluidize the powder with a minimum amount of gas. The gas conveys the fluidized powder to the bottom of a container that may have a small mouth or a sophisticated configuration. The gas present in the powder introduced in the container is released via a powder layer between a nozzle and the mouth. The apparatus can therefore easily, densely pack the container with the powder without causing the powder to fly out of the container. Further, the apparatus is miniature, easy to carry and easy to operate and can therefore be handled by any person at any plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Makino, Hirosato Amano
  • Patent number: 6668874
    Abstract: A gas-assisted flow and filling device for transporting particulate material and filling die cavities includes a source of low-pressure gas for delivering gas to a chamber that is separated from a fluidizing chamber by a porous distributor plate which permits the gas to flow through the particulate material and out a vent screen so that the particulate material is permitted to flow out of the fluidizing chamber essentially free of gas and wherein the pressure of the gas delivered to the fluidizing chamber is sufficient to provide a gas bearing to said particulate material adjacent the distributor plate, but not high enough to cause turbulence in said fluidizing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Matsys
    Inventors: Roderick Rowland, Tony F. Zahrah, Rajkumar Raman, Phillip A. Parrish
  • Patent number: 6668877
    Abstract: A filling system having a discharge unit to fill still beverages under an open ambience into containers. The filling system has an annular nozzle from which blows a sterile gas in the direction of filling. The nozzle is mounted on the filling system concentrically with the discharge unit such that sterile gas encircles beverages being discharged from the discharge unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Alfill Engineering GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Jorn Richard Fehland, Jens H. Popplau
  • Publication number: 20030234060
    Abstract: A vapor pressure equalizer system for reducing the pressure of a storage tank that contains volatile liquid or fuel. A conduit is connected to the storage tank that draws vapors present in the ullage of the storage tank into the conduit. The vapors are circulated through the conduit to cool the vapor and return the vapor to the storage tank. In this manner, the pressure of the storage tank is reduced since the vapors being returned are cooler and smaller in volume than when the vapors entered the conduit. The conduit may be an open system that circulates vapors, or may be a closed system that circulates a cooling media through a radiator in the ullage of the storage tank. An electronic controller controls the operation of the system according to measurements that indicate an overpressure condition or a likelihood of future over-pressurization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
  • Publication number: 20030217783
    Abstract: An assembly for transferring solid particulate matter has a pressurized vessel for retaining a pre-determined quantity of the solid material. A discharge 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 discharge conduit is also connected to a dust collection container. Vacuum created in the dust collection container facilitates entrapment of dust particles generated during transfer of the solid material through the discharge container and carrying of the dust particles away from the discharge opening of the discharge nozzle into the dust collection container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Jack Harris
  • Patent number: 6648035
    Abstract: A dispensing adapter for connecting pressurized containers to other valved systems such as automobile air conditioners is provided. The housing has a dispensing end, a receiving end, and an interior volume communicating between the dispensing end and the receiving end. The receiving end sealingly engages a first valve of a pressurized container, and the dispensing end sealingly engages a second valve such as a service port of an automobile air conditioner. A reciprocatable core depressor is disposed inside the housing. When dispensing end is attached to the service port, the core depressor is moved toward the receiving end of the housing, and the proximal end of the core depressor engages a stem of the first valve and opens the first valve. The housing maybe angled or straight, and the core depressor may have a piercing pin to open puncture valve containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Cowan, Jochen Schapers, Saul Trachtenberg, Nikolay V. Nikolayev
  • Patent number: 6648028
    Abstract: A liquid aerating apparatus—in combination with a cylinder containing gas under pressure (53); a cylinder holder (30) for retaining a pressure gas cylinder; an aerating (61) head for retaining a bottle (63) which contains a liquid to be aerated; an intermediate chamber (38), for receiving gas discharged from the cylinder (531); a cylinder valve (32) for normally preventing discharge from the cylinder into the chamber and permitting it when desired; valve actuating means (17′) which have an inactive position, in which they do not act on the cylinder valve, and an active position, in which they cause the cylinder valve to be opened and gas to be discharged from the cylinder to the intermediate chamber; gas conduit mans (20 connecting the intermediate chamber with the aerating head; and auxiliary valve means (39) for sealing off the intermediate chamber from the conduit means when the cylinder valve is not fully closed and the valve actuating means are in the inactive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Soda-Club (CO2) Atlantic GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Hulley, Peter Gordon Wiseburgh
  • Patent number: 6648030
    Abstract: A ventilating/sterilizing system for food-quality liquid storage tanks has a weatherproof overhead hood. Incoming air, drawn up into the hood is first filtered at the intake of an electric blower forcing the airflow through a main filter to be sterilized by ultraviolet radiation then heated for tank entry, where airflow drives out moisture and displaces air in the head region through a specially designed weather protective tank outlet vent with a removable cone-shaped dual-screen filter unit. A remote indicator light panel indicates normal operation and malfunctions. Stainless steel construction throughout minimizes deterioration and contamination. The main filter is enclosed in a housing mounted on a base unit containing the ultra-violet chamber, the heating chamber, and electrical components. The hood is hinged for intake filter access; similarly the blower assembly is hinged for main filter access for replacement or cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Sparks
  • Patent number: 6640841
    Abstract: Provided are methods of charging 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) providing a refrigeration system comprising a chamber having a hydrocarbon-based lubricant and substantially no chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant; and (b) introducing to the system a composition comprising: (i) a refrigerant; (ii) a surfactant; and (iii) a solubilizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond H. P. Thomas, Roy P. Robinson, Rajiv R. Singh, David P. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6640845
    Abstract: A method and apparatus have been provided for directing toner from a hopper containing a supply of toner to fill as well as cleanly cutoff filling of a container without post-cutoff dribbling. The apparatus for the method includes (a) a conduit member connected to the hopper and having a discharging end for permitting a toner to be moved therethrough; (b) a conveyor device located at least partially within the conduit member for moving the toner from the hopper in a toner moving direction towards the container; and (c) an anti-dribbling nozzle device for directing the toner from the conveyor to cleanly fill the container. The anti-dribbling nozzle device includes a source of pressurized air, a controller, and a nozzle member that has a first end connected to the discharge end of the conduit member, a second and opposite end for dispensing moving toner into the container, and a nozzle wall connecting the first end to the second thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Wegman, Mikhail Vaynshteyn
  • Patent number: 6637472
    Abstract: A coolant transfer machine for an automotive engine includes first and second fluid transfer systems. The first system, operated when the engine is not running, sequentially first removes at least a substantial portion of used coolant from the engine. The first system then collects in a used fluid container the used coolant as the used coolant is being removed and then replaces the removed used coolant with new coolant from a new fluid container. The second system, operated when the engine is running, simultaneously displaces at least a substantial portion of used coolant in the engine with new coolant from the new fluid container and collects the displaced used coolant in the used fluid container. A manually operable switch has a first position that enables operation of the first fluid transfer system and a second position that enables operation of the second fluid transfer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Moc Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Camacho, Eric A Berg, Russell A. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 6637466
    Abstract: A filling system includes a container, a cap for the container defining an egress and an ingress for a material from and to the container, respectively, a tank in fluid communication with the container through both the ingress and the egress of the cap, and means for urging the material between the container and the tank through the egress and ingress of the cap. A cap for a container includes a cap base engageable with the container and defining an inlet port and an outlet port, an inlet coupling in fluid communication with the inlet port, a draw tube, and an outlet coupling in fluid communication with the draw tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Myron E. Mills, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6637468
    Abstract: A high-speed cleaning system and method in which a liquid is injected by-compressed air into the vacuumed chambers in the automotive cooling systems, in water-cooled engines. The liquid is injected in short period time under pressure, and the cooling system is pre-evacuated and held at a vacuum so that there is no flow restriction to build up high pressure in the cooling system in the short period of time the liquid is injected in the cooling system, and the liquid travels through the cooling system at a high rate of speed. High pressure air is mixed with the liquid before it is injected into engine cooling system, where the liquid/air mixture travels at a high rate of speed creating a hurricane type effect that breaking loose contaminants such as dirt, rust, and other particles and washes them out of the engine cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Derek Chen-Chien Wu
  • Patent number: 6629627
    Abstract: A highly reliable digital level sensor assembly is provided to replace optical and capacitance type sensors in high purity chemical delivery systems. The digital level sensor assembly is particularly useful in bulk chemical refill delivery systems for high purity chemicals employing a manifold that ensures contamination free operation and canister change outs with a minimum of valves and tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen H. Siegele, Craig M. Noah, John N. Gregg
  • Publication number: 20030183300
    Abstract: An air delivery system, wherein the air delivery system is coupled to a hose delivering water or fire-extinguishing foam, for providing air to emergency workers and disaster victims. The system includes a high-pressure air hose coupled at one end to an air-supply source and adapted to be coupled at a plurality of outlets along the delivery system to bottles capable of containing pressurized air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Dave Siebert
  • Patent number: 6619339
    Abstract: A controller for a volumetric pocket filler having a plurality of pneumatically powered components, includes a pneumatically powered actuator, having a motion path, and a plurality of pneumatic switches, disposed along the motion path of the actuator. The pneumatic switches are configured for contact with the actuator, to control air flow to the plurality of pneumatically powered components of the volumetric pocket filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Multi-Fill, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Price, Byron Larson
  • Patent number: 6616013
    Abstract: Liquid is supplied from a bottle B to a discharge outlet 8 via a molded plastics reservoir 15 by pressurizing the bottle using an air pump 22. A pressure sensor responds to a rise in air pressure supplied to the bottle by shutting off the pump. Liquid is removed from the reservoir through a dip tube 17 having a main outlet 18 adjacent to the bottom of the reservoir and a smaller auxiliary outlet 21 adjacent to the top of the reservoir. The upper region of the reservoir is received in a finned heat-conducting holder 16 provided with a thermoelectric cooling element. For hygienic purposes the bottle has a connector 12 which can be replaced together with the reservoir 15 and associated supply tubes 24, 13, 14, 17 and 19. A temperature-control mixer 51 may be to mix liquid from the reservoir with liquid from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Ebac Limited
    Inventors: Robert Tansley, Hugh Connell
  • Patent number: 6604555
    Abstract: A highly reliable and safe, modular automatic refill (bulk delivery) system for ultra-high purity pyrophoric metalorganic chemicals employing: a manifold that insures contamination-free operation; a liquid-level detection system with fail-safe redundancy; and an evacuation system which leaves the system's manifold and transfer lines relatively free of chemical fire hazards; leaves them free of oxygen contamination; and leaves the composition of the system's carrier gas unaffected, between refills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Arch Specialty Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Blatt, Richard H. Pearce, Graham Williams, Edward H. Wentworth, III
  • Patent number: 6598626
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6591875
    Abstract: A cart for filling intermodal shipping containers with a bulk particulate material, such as grain, includes a hopper to receive the bulk material and a belt conveyor to deliver the material to the container. The conveyor is positioned external of the container and throws the material along an arcuate path to the opposite end of the container whereby the container is substantially filled without the need to extend the conveyor into the container. The cart is supported on wheels to be moved where needed. The cart can straddle a standard truck trailer carrying a container so that the container need not be removed from the trailer for filling. The conveyor height is variable to reach a container on a truck trailer or on the ground. The cart width can also be reduced for road transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Zaun, Richard W. Hook, Bruce L. Warman, Gregory M. Knott, John M. Robinson, Christopher G. Kay, Mark Guterman, Dmitry I. Spivak, Thomas E. Sparrow, John A. Madson, Jon Ambuehl
  • Patent number: 6588457
    Abstract: A method that intermittently or continuously introduces a known mass of fine powder into an aerosolization chamber. The dry powder is aerosolized and, in one preferred method, the aerosol powder charged. Charged powder is then electrostatically deposited into or onto unit dose package substrates as these packages are sequentially moved through the deposition region. The packages are arranged in a continuous line either around the circumference of a circular package transport or in a continuous line on the surface of an endless belt. As each package traverses the precipitation region, a small amount of powder is deposited. The number of packages, the package velocity and the aerosol deposition rate are selected so that a large number of passes are required to fill each package to the required dose level. It is this continuous sampling, or time division sampling (TDS), that very uniformly divides the pre-determined quantity of powder uniformly among the many packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Richard A. Fotland
  • Patent number: 6588462
    Abstract: A filler material packing system according to the present invention for packing a granular or fragmental filler material in a bag-shaped hollow surface material includes: a suction pump; a suction-type packing container having an inner space for positioning the surface material, a suction port connected between the inner space and the suction pump, and an entry port provided in coaxial with an opening of the surface material, the filler material being delivered in the surface material through the entry port and its opening; and a feeder for delivering the filler material. The feeder has a lid, a sidewall and a bottom wall. The feeder has air vent holes and an outlet provided in an upper part thereof. The outlet port connects with the entry port of the suction-type packing container through connecting means, and thereby, the air vent holes are connected to the entry port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventors: Taro Ogawa, Yasumasa Senoo, Yasuyuki Toda, Mitsuo Katayama, Takahiro Hara
  • Patent number: 6585009
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Matthews, L. William Silzie, John R. Martin, Albert L. Ruff, Gary E. Gerber, Frederick P. Boyle
  • Patent number: 6585010
    Abstract: A precision fine powder dispersing supply apparatus includes a fine powder storage vessel, a minute amount supply feeder, a supply device for supplying fine powder in the storage vessel to the minute amount supply feeder, and a discharging device for discharging the fine powder from the minute amount supply feeder to the subsequent process. It is preferable to dispose a heat unit to the transportation path of the fine powder discharged from the minute amount supply feeder. Further, it is preferable to dispose fine particle sensors to the minute amount supply feeder to confirm the feed operation of the fine powder. With this arrangement, the precision fine powder dispersing supply apparatus can stably supply the fine powder in a dispersed state in an ultra minute amount with pinpoint accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Nisshin Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Takahashi, Shuji Shinkai, Junichiro Hisazumi, Hiromitsu Suzuki, Hiroshi Murata
  • Patent number: 6581650
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary method, the fine powder is first fluidized. At least a portion of the fluidized fine powder is then captured. The captured fine powder is then transferred to a receptacle, with the transferred powder being sufficiently uncompacted so that it may be dispersed upon removal from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: Derrick J. Parks, Michael J. Rocchio, Kyle Naydo, Dennis E. Wightman, Adrian E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6581651
    Abstract: A gas filling apparatus for gas shock absorber comprises the assembly location correction unit, a gas filling unit, wherein the gas filling unit includes a rod chucking unit, a calking jig, an oil seal pushing unit, and a jig housing. A gas filling method for gas shock absorber comprises the steps of correcting the assembly location of the tube assembly and the rod guide, clamping the base shell assembly; lowering the gas filling unit primarily, lowering the rod chucking unit, lowering the collet housing device; letting the oil seal break away, filling the gas, lowering the gas filling unit secondarily and simultaneously calking primarily, and calking secondarily the base shell assembly. The apparatus and the method need not punch a hole for filling the gas at a circumference of the base shell assembly when filling the gas into a base shell assembly of the gas shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Woo Jin Kim, Yei Seak Park, Byung Kuk Kang
  • Patent number: 6581649
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of high purity reactive liquids using gaseous assist are described, the apparatus comprising a container body, the container body having fluidly connected thereto a gas inlet and a reactive liquid outlet, the gas inlet fitted with a means adapted to hold a gas filter media, and a gas filter media positioned within said means adapted to hold a gas filter media, the gas inlet having a gas inlet valve, the liquid outlet having a liquid outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignees: L'Air Liquide - Societe Anonyme a'Directiore et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, American Air Liquide
    Inventor: Gregory M. Jursich
  • Publication number: 20030111129
    Abstract: A filling system includes a container, a cap for the container defining an egress and an ingress for a material from and to the container, respectively, a tank in fluid communication with the container through both the ingress and the egress of the cap, and means for urging the material between the container and the tank through the egress and ingress of the cap. A cap for a container includes a cap base engageable with the container and defining an inlet port and an outlet port, an inlet coupling in fluid communication with the inlet port, a draw tube, and an outlet coupling in fluid communication with the draw tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Myron E. Mills
  • Patent number: 6575203
    Abstract: The fluid delivery/refilling system includes a unit-of-use fluid reservoir for dentifrice or medication within a head portion of a power toothbrush, which is removable from the remainder thereof. A pump element is located in the brushhead and is configured so that the back and forth movement of the brushhead in operation results in fluid moving from the reservoir to a dispensing valve located in the brushhead. The dispensing valve has an end portion which is normally closed, opening under pressure of fluid from the pump. The refilling assembly is separate from the toothbrush and is configured to fit over the top of the toothbrush. Upward pressure exerted on the toothbrush when the toothbrush is within the refilling assembly results in movement of a core element in the refilling assembly, which in turn results in a hollow needle in the refilling assembly extending into a refiller valve in the head portion of the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Philips Oral Healthcare
    Inventors: Scott E. Hall, James N. Larimer, Kevin Miller, Richard Taylor
  • Patent number: 6571835
    Abstract: Pressurized gas containers 36 are refilled from a source of high pressure gas using a valve assembly 1,3 that comprise a first 1 and second 3 gas flow control unit, the control units having a first valve 6 and a second valve 42 respectively, in which assembly further comprises actuators 22, 56 for cooperatively opening the valves when the control units are provided in compressed engagement, preferably using a lever action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Trevor Reading, Andrew Peter Webb, John Irven, Lieve Anna De Paepe
  • 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: 6561232
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for introducing an additive component (131) in the form of a liquid or granulated solid into a liquid (40) stored in a first container (150). The additive component (131) is stored separately from the liquid (40) in a dip tube or conduit (132). The container (150) has an opening closed by a releasable closure (152). A second container or tank (111) containing pressurized propellant fluid (116) is positioned in the neck or closure of the first container, adjacent to the opening. The dip tube or conduit (132) has a first end communicating with the tank and a second end extending down into the first liquid in the first container. The dip tube (132) contains an additive (131) which is expelled from the dip tube into the first liquid by the entry of the propellant fluid from the tank into the dip tube on release of the releasable closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Rocep Lusol Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Bernard Derek Frutin
  • Patent number: 6557598
    Abstract: A device is shown for filling a wildlife feeder with material. The device has a primary conduit and a pressure source connected to the primary conduit for propelling air through the primary conduit. A secondary conduit extends from the primary conduit such that at least a portion of the air flowing though the primary conduit flows through the secondary conduit and into a primary receptacle wherein a pressure is created inside the primary receptacle that is equal to or greater than the pressure in the primary conduit. The primary receptacle has a sealable feed port for receiving material to be conveyed and an outlet connected to the primary conduit down stream from the pressure source and the secondary conduit such that material can pass from the primary receptacle by gravity flow through the outlet and become entrained in the movement of the air created by the pressure source and into a secondary receptacle which is located at an elevated location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Nolan S. Glover, Dan Cloud
  • Patent number: 6557593
    Abstract: A highly reliable bulk chemical delivery system for high purity chemicals employing a manifold that ensures contamination free operation and canister change outs with a minimum of valves and tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen H. Siegele, Craig M. Noah, John N. Gregg