With Testing Or Weighing Receiver Content Patents (Class 141/83)
  • Publication number: 20040123917
    Abstract: A machine (1) for filling containers (2) with liquid or particulate material (6), wherein a carousel conveyor (12), rotating continuously| about an axis (9), supports a number of supporting and weighing heads (25), each independent of the other supporting and weight heads (25) and for supporting a respective container (2) beneath a respective feed device (20) for supplying the fill material (6); and wherein filling of the containers (2) is controlled by a control device (34) having a supervisor (35) connected to a number of control units (36), which are carried by the carousel conveyor (12), are connected to the supervisor (35) by a bus (38), and independently control a predetermined number of feed devices (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Claudio Crivellaro, Stefano Cavallari
  • Publication number: 20040103953
    Abstract: A plurality of vessel receptacles 16 and load cells 18 are mounted along the outer periphery of a revolving body 14 at an equal circumferential spacing. Filling means 24 is disposed above each of the vessel receptacles 16. For an operation in a first operational mode, the tare of a vessel 4 which is supplied from the outside onto one of the vessel receptacle 16 is measured and such data is fed to a controller 20 which determines a mean value of measured tares and store it. Subsequently, the operation is switched to a second operational mode for purpose of a filling operation. In the second operational mode, no measurement of the tare is made, and the mean value is regarded as representing the tare of supplied vessels for purpose of a filling operation. After a given time interval or after a given number of vessels have been filled, the operation is again switched to the first operational mode where the mean value is again measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Yukinobu Nishino, Tatsuhiro Nakada, Akihiko Kakimoto, Yutaka Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20040103950
    Abstract: [Object] To automate determination of the quantity of a index matching liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chiharu Iriguchi
  • Publication number: 20040093874
    Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for operation of a cryogenic hydrogen storage system that contains a porous medium configured to adsorb hydrogen. The hydrogen storage and supply system includes a hydrogen source apparatus and a cryosorptive storage apparatus. Methods and devices that allow for an energy efficient filling of the cryosorptive apparatus from the hydrogen source apparatus are described. The cryosorptive hydrogen storage apparatus is filled with cold, pressurized hydrogen. During the course of filling, heat is generated in the cryosorptive storage device by the process of hydrogen adsorption on to the host medium. Methods and devices are provided for the removal the generated heat and the warm hydrogen. Further provided are devices and methods for the capture and recycle of escaped hydrogen within the hydrogen source apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Bradley, Jeff Wyatt, Seung-Hoon Jhi, Young-Kyun Kwon, Jean Christophe Gabriel, George Gruner
  • Publication number: 20040089370
    Abstract: A method and system for preventing vehicle misfuelling by utilizing an apparatus that receives a fuel nozzle into the filler neck, and activates a vacuum on the nozzle inserted therein. Using the pump's internal shut-off mechanism, this prevents the fuel pump from dispensing fuel until the sensing unit within the apparatus is able to identify the fuel proposed to be added to the tank. If the fuel is deemed acceptable, the vacuum is released, and the fuel is permitted to enter into the desired fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Russell Shane Zerangue
  • Publication number: 20040079441
    Abstract: A method of filling a portable tank with compressed oxygen-enriched gas includes the steps of providing a coupling such that when a portable tank is connected with the coupling oxygen-enriched gas can flow through the coupling into the portable tank; directing oxygen-enriched gas from an oxygen concentrator to a compressor; compressing the oxygen-enriched gas in the compressor; directing compressed oxygen-enriched gas from the compressor to a reservoir; storing the compressed oxygen-enriched gas in the reservoir; and thereafter directing stored oxygen-enriched gas from the reservoir to the coupling to enable filling of a portable tank with compressed oxygen-enriched gas from the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph B. Richey, Gerold Goertzen
  • Patent number: 6725888
    Abstract: A method for filling and degassing a pouch contained in a cartridge. A fluid injection unit introduces fluid into a rotatable pouch. The pouch contained in the cartridge is permitted to rotate from a vertical position for degassing and weighing to a horizontal position for fluid introduction. After several rotational cycles, accurate pouch weighing and complete evacuation of the pouch results in a precise fluid loaded pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward B. Richter, L. Ronald Whitlock, Diana C. Petranek, Gary E. Merz, John C. Green
  • Patent number: 6722400
    Abstract: An apparatus precisely delivers a prescribed amount of fluid into a degassed pouch contained in a cartridge. The apparatus has a rotating cartridge holding member that alternately positions the cartridge in either a horizontal position for filling or a vertical position for degassing. A digital weighing element associated with the fixture enables the cartridge to be weighed during the filling process to ensure the delivery of a predetermined amount of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward B. Richter, L. Ronald Whitlock, Diana C. Petranek, Gary E. Merz, John C. Green
  • Patent number: 6722403
    Abstract: A bifurcated bracket carries two powder dispensing assemblies. Each assembly includes a powder reservoir and a rotatable screw received within a compliant silicone sleeve. The outer diameter of the screw is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve such that the screw blade maintains direct contact with the sleeve wall as the screw is rotated. The bracket is sequentially moved to align each assembly with containers in two arrays. Each array of containers is situated in a tray. The trays are manually positioned on independent scales which generate signals that are a function of the sensed weight of each array. To fill each container, the screw in the aligned assembly is rotated at a high rate for an initial period and then at a slower rate. The scales are operational only during the slower rate period. Assembly movement and screw rotation are computer controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Peng Zhou, Edward Joseph Kuspiel, Waldemar Ruediger, Alexander Bertok, Carl J. Trpisovsky
  • Publication number: 20040069372
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a fuel vapor recovery system to determine if a leak condition exists in either the vapor return passage in a fuel dispenser or a common vapor return pipe. An air-flow sensor (AFS) may be located in the common vapor return pipe for all of the dispensing points at a service station, or in each fuel dispenser and coupled to the dispensing points of the fuel dispenser. The AFS registers vapor flow recovered by a dispensing point(s) that is returned back to the storage tank. If the AFS measures vapor flow when such dispensing point(s) coupled to such AFS is not actively recovering vapor, this is indicative of a leak in such dispensing point(s). The leak condition is reported by a tank monitor or other reporting system so that appropriate measures can be taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Robert P. Hart
  • Publication number: 20040060611
    Abstract: There is provided a toner container filling device and a toner production management system. The toner container filling device is installed at a toner container filling base and is able to fill a toner container with toner automatically, and obtain information about the toner container filling process while filling the toner container with toner. The toner production management system receives the information from the toner container filling device, and determines the amount of toner to be produced at a toner production base and time of delivering toner to the toner container filling base according to the received information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Hirosato Amano, Tetsuo Noji, Hidenori Minowa
  • Patent number: 6712102
    Abstract: A method and system for preventing vehicle misfuelling by utilizing an apparatus that receives a fuel nozzle into the filler neck, and activates a vacuum on the nozzle inserted therein. Using the pump's internal shut-off mechanism, this prevents the fuel pump from dispensing fuel until the sensing unit within the apparatus is able to identify the fuel proposed to be added to the tank. If the fuel is deemed acceptable, the vacuum is released, and the fuel is permitted to enter into the desired fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Russell Shane Zerangue, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6712101
    Abstract: A vapor recovery system in a fuel dispenser includes the ability to self diagnose the continued viability of a hydrocarbon sensor positioned within the vapor recovery system. A control system associated with the vapor recovery system performs a series of tests including passing pure air over the hydrocarbon sensor and passing a gas known to have hydrocarbons therein over the sensor and evaluating the output of the sensor to see if expected values are output. If the measured values are not within tolerable limits, an alarm is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
  • Patent number: 6705361
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a paint canister filling operation includes a controller for determining a total volume of paint required for a painting operation, calculating a required piston position and actuating a motor to move a piston in the interior of the canister to the required position. The controller opens a supply valve connected between the canister interior and a paint supply to fill the canister and monitors the torque applied by the motor to maintain the piston at the required position. When the torque exceeds a set point representing the torque value required to maintain the piston at the required position when the total required paint is in the canister interior, the controller closes the supply valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley O. Niederquell, Derrick McCaig, Stan H. McClosky
  • Patent number: 6701977
    Abstract: A tinting machine system for tinting base paints (2) supplied in containers (1) which paints are suitable for use in coating compositions, which system has a) storage capacity (10) for colorant (11) b) accommodation for the container of base paint c) at least one colorant dispenser (8) and d) a collection of color recipes wherein the system also has e) weighing means (3) for weighing the container of tinted coating composition f) signalling means (4) for signalling the weight of a container of tinted coating composition from the weighing means to the processing means g) processing means (5) able to compare a correct weight stored in the collection of color recipes with a signalled weight and h) means for signalling if the weight of the container of tinted coating composition matches, alternatively fails to match, the corresponding weight stored in the collection of color recipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries, PLC
    Inventors: Celia Charlotte Taylor, Ian David Oakes
  • Patent number: 6698463
    Abstract: System and method for controlling a hazardous fluid distribution facility wherein a control arrangement is provided at the facility having a power on switch providing for its general energization and de-energization along with a start switch which is actuated by an operator for an interval of time sufficient for a gas pressure control monitor to assume an enable condition causing the actuation of tank valves and the enablement of emergency shut-off valves. A receiver is incorporated with the housing which performs in conjunction with strategically positioned emergency transmitters which are actuated by personnel in the event of a perceived emergency condition. The transmitters transmit an off-state signal which is responded to by the receiver circuit to vent the pneumatic actuation and enablement system as well as to disenable electrical input to pump motors. The transmitters are polled periodically by the receiver circuit to determine their operational status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Tracey T. Lemmon
  • Patent number: 6696649
    Abstract: The total weight of a plurality of resin products is set as a reference value, and a first upper-limit threshold and a first lower-limit threshold are respectively stored in a control circuit 38 on the upper limit side and the lower limit side with respect to the reference value. A second upper-limit threshold which is yet greater than the first upper-limit threshold and a second lower-limit threshold which is yet smaller than the first lower-limit threshold are stored in the control circuit 38. When the total weight of the resin products is greater than the first upper-limit threshold, a determination is made by the control circuit 38 as to whether or not the total weight of the resin products is yet greater than the second lower-limit threshold. Further, when the total weight of the resin products is less than the first upper-limit threshold, a determination is made by the control circuit 38 as to whether or not the total weight of the resin products is yet less than the second lower-limit threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumidenso Platech, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norikazu Suzuki, Masaki Usui
  • Publication number: 20040025963
    Abstract: With reference to FIG. 1, and air sampler 1 for use in analysing biological or other analytes, comprises an airflow chamber 2 having an air inlet 3 and an air outlet 4. An extract from 5, draws ambient air in through the inlet 3, and then through the chamber 2, to discharge it back to atmosphere by way of an outlet 6. The airflow chamber 2 houses a cyclone air/liquid separator 7 through which the inflowing air is caused to pass. An injector 8 introduces liquid into air flowing through the air inlet 3. The cyclone separator 7 extracts this liquid and any entrained particles therein and discharges it from the airflow chamber 2, initially by way of a duct 9, where it is then conveyed to a collection vessel 12, by way of a three channel peristaltic pump 13, and a duct 14. The collection vessel 12 is housed within a Peltier-cooled holder 15 to maintain the contents of the vessel 12 within the 2° C.-8° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: David James Squirrell, William Hunter Symonds, Hilary Anne Bird, Martin John Berry
  • Publication number: 20040025962
    Abstract: A machine (1) for filling containers (2) with liquid or particulate material (6), wherein a carousel conveyor (12), rotating continuously about an axis (9), supports a number of supporting and weighing heads (25), each of which is independent of the other supporting and weighing heads (25) and supports a respective container (2) beneath a respective feed device (20) for supplying the fill material (6); and wherein each supporting and weighing head (25) is connected structurally and functionally to the carousel conveyor by a respective fast-fit connecting/disconnecting device (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Narciso De Antoni Migliorati, Stefano Cavallari
  • Patent number: 6688341
    Abstract: The invention concerns a weight-filling machine wherein a force sensor consists of a deformable component having a base end (16) linked to a frame and an interface end (18) whereon is fixed a device for gripping (50) the container. The invention is characterised in that the gripping device (50) is coupled to the interface end by elastic means (72) urging the gripping device (50) towards a normal position wherein it is supported on a support surface (78) linked to the interface end (18), and the gripping device (50) is mobile relative to the interface end (18) along a protective direction, countering the elastic means (72), up to a stop position wherein it comes in contact with a stop surface (90) linked to the frame (86).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Sidel
    Inventors: Eric Meunier, Gérard Sabiron
  • Publication number: 20040020555
    Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald A. Sus, Glenn Schackmuth, Craig Conley, Ron Dorsten, Henry T. Ewald, Jenny M. Hong, David Bone, Brian Rudesill, Mario G. Ceste, John M. Corliss, Andrew Courier, William Day, Doug Christian Greening, Doug Jones, Kevin Keough, Steven Konold, James Lozouski, John Meisner, Richard Montafi, Roberto Nevarez, Benny Nunley, Curtis Clarence Pinnow, Charles E. Rose, Keith Stanger, John A.J. Wedel, Joseph A. Goodwin, Chris Coul, Mike Zizas, Dusan Ivancevic, Gregery M. Billman, Steve Yagla
  • Patent number: 6684914
    Abstract: A discrete object dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of objects, up to a maximum number, without a delay associated with counting the tablets. A preset number of objects are counted and stored in dedicated chambers, the combination of the numbers of objects within the chambers being known to comprise any number of objects which is desired for dispensing. According to a preferred system, n chambers are provided, with 20, 21, 22, . . . , 2n−1 tablets provided respectively in the individual chambers. The chambers which together add up to the selected number for dispensing are emptied. Only those chambers which are emptied after dispensing need to be refilled and, as such, only the number of tablets in those storage locations need to be counted. The system may include a plurality of cells, each including a plurality of chambers for a different solid dose medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Kirby-Lester, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Gershman, Aleksandr Geltser
  • Patent number: 6681815
    Abstract: An automatic truck tank fill system that includes an arrangement to automatically shut off the flow of material to a truck tank. The arrangement includes break-away connections that minimize damage to the fill system in an event that the truck tank is moved with the fill system still connected to the truck tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Blend-Rite Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton Westrich, Steve Apelman, Alan Wehner
  • Publication number: 20040011421
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser contains a vapor sensor in the non-hazardous electronics chamber. The vapor sensor is operatively connected to a power interlock. When hydrocarbon vapors exceed a predetermined threshold in the electronics chamber, power is decoupled from the electronics in the electronics chamber to prevent explosions. The power interlock may further decouple power from the entire fuel dispenser. The detection of hydrocarbon vapors may also be communicated to another system including a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Jack F. Bartlett, Howard M. Myers, Russel D. Leatherman
  • Patent number: 6679302
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for blending butane with gasoline at petroleum tank farms, immediately before distribution to tanker trucks. The invention provides a method for blending gasoline and butane at a tank farm comprising: (a) drawing a gasoline stream from a tank of gasoline; (b) drawing a butane stream from a tank of butane; (c) blending the butane and gasoline streams to form a blend; and (d) dispensing the blend. The blending process can be controlled to ensure that the vapor pressure of the blended gasoline meets vapor pressure requirements of environmental regulations. Information generated by the blending process can be used to efficiently forecast butane purchasing requirements, and to generate regulatory reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: MCE Blending, LLC
    Inventors: Larry D. Mattingly, Steven M. Vanderbur
  • Publication number: 20040007285
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metering installation for powder pigments, having an arrangement for supplying the powder pigments into a weighing container of a weighing arrangement. The weighing container may be emptied into a pneumatic conveying conduit which leads into a consuming unit, if appropriate, via an intermediate store. The conveying arrangement has a hopper-like pressure container which can be subjected to the action of compressed air. The pressure container has a closure at the base and a laterally curved outlet connector. An injector tube, which can be subjected to the action of compressed air and has lateral exit openings for the compressed air, extends axially into the outlet connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Finke, Ingo Finke
  • Patent number: 6672340
    Abstract: A method for filling a vehicle fuel tank with a gas is provided, in which the vehicle fuel tank (31) is connected to a delivery device (2) by a pressure-tight line (10) and the gas stored under pressure is filled into the vehicle fuel tank (31) from a storage unit (3) by means of the delivery device (2). The method comprises the following steps: the instantaneous value of a parameter, which is representative of the instantaneous level of filling of the vehicle fuel tank (31), is determined during filling with the aid of a sensor apparatus (32, 33) arranged in the vehicle fuel tank (31) the filling is ended when the parameter has reached a pre-settable end value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: GreenField AG
    Inventor: Heinz Mutter
  • Patent number: 6674022
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automatically transferring and weighing a powder material. The apparatus comprises a weigh station including a device for weighing the powder material in a container. A transfer device for collecting and dispensing the powder material is provided in which the device has a hollow body having a first end and a second end. The first end being operatively connected to a vacuum source so that a vacuum is selectively formed in the body. A collecting/dispensing tip is detachably coupled to the second end of the body. The tip is a hollow member with a tip orifice at one end so that a vacuum is formed in the tip upon actuation of the vacuum source. A controller for causing the selective actuation of the vacuum source and movement of at least one of the transfer device and the container is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Fermier, John Troisi, James V. Weber
  • Patent number: 6672342
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the discharge of flowable material from a first compartment having a discharge opening near a lower end thereof comprises a closure member which is movable by an actuator and an adjusting device between a closed position in which the discharge opening is shut and a raised open position in which a gap of a certain width to said discharge opening is opened to allow the flowable material to flow through the gap and the discharge opening. Adjoining the discharge opening is a conveyor section for providing a predetermined path of conveying the material into a second compartment. The quantity of material flown to the second compartment is determined by a quantity determining means. A control unit controls at least the adjusting device and the width of the gap to achieve a desired degree of delivery to the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: AT Anlagetechnik AG
    Inventor: Arthur Nussbaumer
  • Patent number: 6667444
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the weight of a flowable material in a vessel, which includes a support and a deformable member attached to the support. The deformable member includes a deformation measuring device to detect the extent of deformation caused by the flowable material as the material flows through the deformable member. The deformable member determines the weight of the flowable materials flowing into or out of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: De Montfort Expertise Limited
    Inventor: David Armitage
  • Patent number: 6662832
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filling one or more containers with flowable material such as cereals, grain or rice. Flowable material is transferred via a material guide into filling stations. The material guide or the filling stations can be moved between a first position in which all the flowable material input is guided into the first container, and a second position in which all the flowable material input is guided into the second container. At intermediate positions between the first and second positions, the flowable material input is divided between the first and second containers. The proportion of flowable material entering each of the containers is varied to enable a nearly full container to be topped up to the desired level while maintaining control over the flow and at the same time rapidly filling another container. The filling stations, at which the containers are located, may be positioned in various configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Design Engineering Pty Limited
    Inventor: William George Baker
  • Patent number: 6655425
    Abstract: The apparatus has a closed housing (4, 29), one side of the housing (4, 29) being the filling side (13), which, during filling of the container (2), is located opposite an introduction opening (6) provided in said container. The housing (4) has a filling tube (3, 33) passing through it axially in relation to the axis of the introduction opening (6), said filling tube, on the filling side (13), protruding to such an extent that, in the filling position, projects into the introduction opening (6). The interior of the housing (4, 29) is connected to an external arrangement for extracting dust by suction, and the filling side (13) has an air-inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Glatt Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Doerffel, Siegfried Krieger
  • Patent number: 6655424
    Abstract: An inexpensive fuel gas filler structure for a gas-fueled vehicle enables the connection between a ground line and a ground connection portion of the vehicle before the insertion of a fuel gas filler nozzle into a fuel gas filler receptacle. The fuel gas filler structure for a gas-fueled vehicle comprises a fuel gas filler receptacle to which a fuel gas filler nozzle of an external fuel gas filling station is to be connected, a fuel filler lid which is opened or closed, by a fuel filler lid opener, for selectively covering the fuel gas filler receptacle, a ground connection portion to which a ground line of the fuel gas filling station is to be connected, and a ground connection lid which is opened or closed for selectively covering the ground connection portion, wherein an operating section of the fuel filler lid opener is disposed in a region which is covered by the ground connection lid in a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Kawazu, Yoshihiro Shimizu, Tohru Ono, Seiji Ohgami
  • Patent number: 6655422
    Abstract: A method of filling a cylinder with a target weight of a gas. The method includes successively measuring weight of the cylinder at periodic time intervals to obtain successive actual weights of the cylinder; opening a first valve and filling the cylinder with the gas at a high flow rate; and closing the first valve after reaching a predetermined weight difference between the target weight and an actual weight. After closing the first valve, the method opens a second valve and fills the cylinder with the gas at a low flow rate. After opening the second valve to fill the cylinder with the gas, the method adjustably controls, via an adjustable valve, the flow of gas to the cylinder. The method differences each successively measured actual weight from the target weight of the gas to obtain multiple first difference values. The method also differences adjacently measured actual weights to obtain multiple second difference values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: ATNL, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Shock
  • Patent number: 6655421
    Abstract: A weight-based, multiple filler filling machine has a simplified wiring arrangement. The filling machine fills a plurality of bottles with a predetermined amount in weight of an article through associated ones of a plurality of valves. The weight of the article placed in each of the bottles is measured by a load cell. An arithmetic unit is mounted on the surface of or inside each load cell for determining the weight level of the article as measured by that load cell and controlling the associated valve in accordance with the determined weight level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Yamato Scale Company, Limited
    Inventors: Toru Kohashi, Yoshiyuki Ishisaka
  • Publication number: 20030209280
    Abstract: A method and system for preventing vehicle misfuelling by utilizing an apparatus that receives a fuel nozzle into the filler neck, and activates a vacuum on the nozzle inserted therein. Using the pump's internal shut-off mechanism, this prevents the fuel pump from dispensing fuel until the sensing unit within the apparatus is able to identify the fuel proposed to be added to the tank. If the fuel is deemed acceptable, the vacuum is released, and the fuel is permitted to enter into the desired fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Russell Shane Zerangue
  • Patent number: 6644344
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid based on the fluid weight. A container is provided between a fluid source and a fluid removal system. A valve is arranged between the fluid source and the container, to control the admitting of fluid into the container from the source, and removal of fluid from the container by the removal system. The valve is controlled by a weight-responsive mechanism, which detects a change in weight of the container due to the admitting and removal of fluid, and opens or closes the valve accordingly. A flow rate of the fluid may be determined in terms of a time period between the closing and subsequent opening of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ashland, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Tibbott
  • Patent number: 6644363
    Abstract: Containers are filled with liquids by equipment incorporating a carousel rotatable about a vertical axis, and a number of filler heads mounted to the carousel, each comprising a platform on which to set a container, a nozzle aligned with the platform and serving to direct at least one type of liquid into the container, also a dynamometer associated with the platform and sensing the weight of the container. The equipment includes at least one tank holding at least one liquid to be batched into the containers, and a fixed pipeline of which a first end is connected to the tank and a second end is connected by way of a rotary coupling to a manifold at the top of the carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.MA. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Sogliani, Stefano Cavallari
  • Publication number: 20030205288
    Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald A. Sus, Ron Dorsten, Jenny Hong, Glenn Schackmuth, Christopher Juneau, Steven Konold, Richard Montafi, Benny Nunley, Charles E. Rose
  • Patent number: 6640846
    Abstract: An automatic fueling system includes a pump having a telescoping arm capable of placement in three-dimensional space, a flexibly mounted nozzle on the end of the arm and a docking cone to mate with the fuel port on a vehicle. A camera provides a view of the side of the vehicle on a monitor with guides visible to the operator of the vehicle to assist in locating the vehicle within range of the pump. A light and a camera located adjacent to the nozzle are used to recognize retro-reflective light from an annular target about the intake port. Multiple approximations of the distance and location of the intake port are made with the nozzle moving closer to mating with the intake port. A data link is provided through the mated nozzle with a keypad accessible by the vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: R. Strnad Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Rudolph A. Strnad, Spencer P. Magleby, John F. Marshall, W. Douglas Stout, Carl D. Sorensen, Ryan W. Warnick, Lee Baroldy, Lisa Cloward, David S. Bent, Adam Gaglione, Robert Cvetko, Aaron T. Schellenberg
  • Patent number: 6637471
    Abstract: An automatic hybrid volumetric method of dispensing (HVD) improves on gravimetric dispensing and volumetric dispensing. The method dispenses ingredients for a mixture, according to pre-selected formulations, utilizing a supply of the fluid ingredients, an ingredient container, a power-driven plunger in the ingredient container, a mixture container, and a calibration weight scale. The plunger is movable to expel fluid in the ingredient container. The method includes several steps. The ingredient container is connected to the supply to receive a first ingredient in the ingredient container. The ingredient container is connected to the mixture container for the mixture container to receive ingredient expelled from the ingredient container by movement of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: GFI Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Luehrsen, Derek P. Pedraza
  • Publication number: 20030192616
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispensing apparatus used in gravimetrically dispensing accurate predetermined amounts of dispersants, particulates, or a combination thereof. The apparatus includes recirculating systems though which the dispersants are recirculated to prevent settling of solid components, such as pigments that may be present in the dispersants. The apparatus includes dispensers located on a movable table positioned inside a frame assembly of the apparatus. The table is positioned to dispense a selected dispersant into a container placed atop a weighing scale through the dispenser selected in accordance with a recipe. The weight of the selected dispersant is monitored by the weighing scale and once a desired amount of the selected dispersant is dispensed, a signal is received by the apparatus from the weighing scale to switch off the dispensing of the dispersant. The table is then moved to deliver the next dispersant, required in the recipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: John Charles Larson, Vincent Fred Genatempo, Alan Arthur Burmester, Anthony Christopher Weyek, Travis Lynn Gibson
  • Patent number: 6627826
    Abstract: An operative unit (1) advances containers (2) along a conveying line (3) and transfers the containers from the conveying line to one weighing station (4) and vice-versa. An endless conveyor (6) of the operative unit passes through the weighing station (4) and a sliding track (S), on which the containers (2) move, is disposed parallel to the conveyor (6). Moving modules (70) are removably fastened to the conveyor and move the containers (2) on the sliding track (S) A platform (8) forms a portion of the sliding track (S) and is situated in correspondence to the weighing station (4). The containers (2) supported by the platform (8) are temporarily disengaged from the moving means (70) and placed in the weighing station (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luigi Cavina, Paolo Tacchini, Gianfranco Salmi
  • Patent number: 6622757
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Hart, Richard K. Lucas
  • Patent number: 6619336
    Abstract: A system for dispensing pressurized gas is provided which includes a pressurized gas source, a receiving tank, a gas flow line connected between the gas source and the receiving tank, a valve for initiating and terminating flow of gas between the gas source and the receiving tank, an electronic controller, and temperature and pressure sensors for sensing temperature and pressure of gas inside the receiving tank. The electronic controller stores a tank rated density and the temperature and pressure of gas and periodically calculates a density of the gas in the receiving tank based on the temperature and pressure. The electronic controller periodically compares the density of the gas with the tank rated density and initiates flow of gas through the valve when the density in the receiving tank is below the rated density and terminates flow of gas through the valve when the density reaches the tank rated density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, David John Farese
  • Patent number: 6612347
    Abstract: A metering and packaging device includes several cups fixed to rotate about a shaft. These cups are positioned under hopper outlets during a portion of their rotation to receive bulk material, and over passages through a bottom plate during another portion of their rotation to dump bulk material into weigh buckets. The outlets, cups and passages through the bottom plat are angularly displaced from one another such that the cups drop measured portions of bulk material in an alternating fashion into the weigh buckets, and the weigh buckets drop the portions into a packaging machine in an alternating fashion into a packaging machine which separately packages each successive and alternately dropped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Hill
  • Patent number: 6609541
    Abstract: A method of assembling and filling a dispenser device for dispensing a fluid substance made up of an active substance and of a propellant. The device includes a receptacle and a dispenser member, such as a metering valve, for dispensing the fluid substance. The method is characterized in that it includes the steps of assembling the dispenser member onto the receptacle in leaktight manner; inserting a determined quantity of propellant into the receptacle and/or into the dispenser member; storing the dispenser device for a determined storage time; checking and/or testing the dispenser devices so as to discard any devices that have defects; and filling the active substance to be dispensed only into those devices which have satisfied the checking and/or testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventor: Chiis Hall
  • Patent number: 6609381
    Abstract: The present invention is an integrated unit liquified gas fill station attached to a cryogenic storage tank and pump which provides for a controlled delivery of a programed weighted amount of a cryogenic liquified gas, primarily carbon dioxide, to empty transfer tanks at the time of initial filling or subsequent refilling, to prevent dangerous overfilling of the tanks resulting in over-pressure explosions of the transfer tanks, the liquified gas fill station providing a programmable tare scale upon which the transfer tank is positioned, a cryogenic liquified gas bypass circulating system and a cryogenic liquified gas delivery system wherein the station operator selects a weighed amount of liquified gas appropriate for the capacity of the transfer tank to be programmed into the station, delivering the measured amount of cryogenic liquified gas to the attached transfer tank resting on the tare scale, and filling the transfer tank with the precise measured and weighed amount of cryogenic liquified gas after whic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Louis A. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20030155035
    Abstract: A powder filling apparatus includes a first container configured to contain a powder. A weighing tank is configured to receive the powder from the first container and discharge a predetermined amount of the powder to a second container, which includes an opening configured to discharge the powder into the second container and a regulator configured to open and close the opening to discharge the predetermined amount of the powder into the second container. A connector is configured to feed the powder from the first container into the weighing tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Hideo Ichikawa, Masanori Rimoto, Masakazu Nakada
  • Publication number: 20030150510
    Abstract: A system for dispensing pressurized gas is provided which includes a pressurized gas source, a receiving tank, a gas flow line connected between the gas source and the receiving tank, a valve for initiating and terminating flow of gas between the gas source and the receiving tank, an electronic controller, and temperature and pressure sensors for sensing temperature and pressure of gas inside the receiving tank. The electronic controller stores a tank rated density and the temperature and pressure of gas and periodically calculates a density of the gas in the receiving tank based on the temperature and pressure. The electronic controller periodically compares the density of the gas with the tank rated density and initiates flow of gas through the valve when the density in the receiving tank is below the rated density and terminates flow of gas through the valve when the density reaches the tank rated density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, David John Farese