Drip Collection Patents (Class 141/86)
  • Patent number: 7111636
    Abstract: A leak collection chamber is provided inside the housing of a fuel dispenser. The leak collection chamber collects any leaked fuel from fuel handling components inside the fuel dispenser so that the fuel does not leak to the environment. The leak collection chamber can be removed from the fuel dispenser for evacuation. The control system inside the fuel dispenser can determine the liquid level inside the leak containment chamber and generate signals and alarms if the liquid level exceeds a threshold liquid level value and/or the rate of increase in liquid level exceeds a threshold liquid level increase value. The control system can alert service personnel and/or other systems of the leak collection chamber liquid level. Further, the control system and/or other systems shut down the submersible turbine pump that services the fuel dispenser with fuel in response to catastrophic leak condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Ray J. Hutchinson, John S. McSpadden
  • Patent number: 7086409
    Abstract: A fluid collection system having an island with a central collection vessel with a splash pad filling the opening thereof and a fluid collecting surgical drape with fluid dams, and associated fluid removal ports for collecting fluids related to surgical procedures from the vicinity of a patient positioned on the drape on an operating room table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Promethean Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan R. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7069965
    Abstract: Drop tube inserts and apparatus adapted for use with a riser pipe of a liquid reservoir are provided. Apparatus include a drop tube insert at least partially disposed within an end portion of a drop tube. The drop tube insert includes a wall with inner and outer surfaces wherein the wall of the drop tube insert is devoid of any opening extending between its inner and outer surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Pendleton, James E. Kesterman, Kristopher A. Kane
  • Patent number: 7055558
    Abstract: A containment system for a fuel site according to the present invention comprises: a fuel storage tank; at least one fuel line connected to the fuel storage tank; a containment sump associated with the fuel storage tank and encircling the at least one fuel line connected to the fuel storage tank; an opening in the containment sump through which external connections may be made with a remote end of the at least one fuel line; and a removable catch basin adapted to fit into the opening in the containment sump and to fit over and around the remote end of the at least one fuel line such that the catch basin can catch fuel spills from the remote end of the at least one fuel line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventors: M. Daniel McGill, Thompson W. Wyper
  • Patent number: 7041356
    Abstract: A portable chemical spill control device includes an expansive sheet of absorbent material having upper and lower surfaces and a periphery that defines a circumference. The sheet of material is of a material that is resistant to fluid attacks so that spills deposited upon the upper surface are contained on the upper surface. A peripheral bead includes a foldable portion that extends around the expansive sheet of material, the bead including an elongated tensile member and a folded portion that holds the elongated tensile member to the absorbent sheet of material. A connection joins the peripheral bead to the expansive sheet of absorbent material in a configuration that envelops the tensile member with the foldable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: David M. Duhon, Don E. Page, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7040357
    Abstract: An oil receiving and storage assembly includes a housing having a bottom wall, a peripheral wall and a top wall. The peripheral wall includes a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The top wall has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and into the housing. A window is positioned in the front wall and generally extends between the top and bottom walls. Volume measurement indicia are positioned on the front wall and adjacent to the window. An outlet conduit has a first end and a second end. The outlet conduit is elongated and is flexible. The first end is fluidly coupled to the housing. Each of a plurality of spouts fluidly coupled to oil containers may be extended into one of the apertures such that the oil containers rest in an inverted position and the contents thereof drain into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: Allan E. Volkers, George R. Welle, Jonathan J. Welle
  • Patent number: 7036536
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to fuel dispensing nozzles and more particularity to a spout of a fuel dispensing nozzle that reduces the amount of harmful emissions created during a fueling cycle. The spout of the nozzle has an inside surface that is in direct contact with a flow of fuel. After the flow of fuel is stopped, the residual amount of fuel adhered to the inside spout surface is encouraged to collect and drip from at least one fuel collection channel. The at least one fuel channel results in less fuel dripping on the ground and less residual fuel, both of which harmfully evaporate into the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: KnuBox Technologies
    Inventors: Paul A Knight, Walt D Takisaki
  • Patent number: 7013935
    Abstract: A fail safe secondary containment system for a cryogenic liquid transport pipeline spool having a mainline liquid transport pipe and a secondary containment pipe which overlies the mainline liquid transport pipe and is affixed to the outer surface of the mainline liquid transport pipe to form a sealed annular containment space therebetween, has a cap mounted on the secondary containment pipe to provide a sealed tertiary space. A first check valve has an inlet connected to the secondary containment space for receiving fluid therefrom and an outlet connected to the tertiary containment space and a second check valve has an inlet connected to the tertiary containment space for receiving fluid therefrom and an outlet connected to the inside of the mainline liquid transport pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: John W. Bonn
  • Patent number: 7008719
    Abstract: A leakage containment system for storage batteries supported on a rack. Plural, generally rectangular pans are interconnected to each other and are each provided with at least one end wall having a recessed portion so that excess liquid in one pan may spillover into an adjacent pan before spilling over onto a floor supporting the leakage containment system. The pans may be fabricated of coated carbon steel or stainless steel. The battery rack may be constructed to allow access to remove batteries therefrom intermediate the opposite ends of the rack and selected pans may be removed from the leakage containment system to permit access to the rack for insertion of and removal of batteries with respect to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Tracy L. Zaffino
  • Patent number: 6976513
    Abstract: A center-filled fuel filler system and method for constructing same comprising a vehicle comprising a fuel filler receptacle, a fuel filler receptacle cap operably attached to the fuel filler receptacle, an apertured vehicle hood, the fuel filler receptacle cap protruding through the apertured vehicular hood, a spill tray attached to the fuel receptacle, an overflow pipe attached to the overflow tray to channel liquid away from the overflow tray, an apertured luggage compartment wall, and a fuel filler line, comprised of a curved L-shaped metal pipe, attached to the fuel filler receptacle and extending through the apertured luggage compartment wall. The method for positioning a fuel filler system in a vehicle utilizes an existing aperture in the luggage compartment wall, such that no additional apertures are made in the luggage compartment wall to route the fuel line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Mark David Schlachter
  • Patent number: 6973947
    Abstract: A combination fuel tank and cab floor for a truck tractor utilizes a deck plate over a multi-reservoir base pan. The pan is configured both to divide the fuel storage area and to provide a frame for supporting seats and bunks to be installed on the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph T. Penaloza, Rodney J. Klinger, James C. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6973944
    Abstract: A collapsible apparatus (10) recovers and dispenses packaging material. The collapsible apparatus (10) includes a receptacle (20) that is permeable to air. A disc (30) defines a lower end of the receptacle (20). A collection tube (36) is slideably received in a hole (34) of the disc (30) and has an inlet (38) outside the receptacle (20) and an outlet (40) inside the receptacle (20). A fan (60) is mounted to the disc (30) and communicated with the collection tube (36) to form a vacuum in the collection tube (36). The vacuum pulls the packaging material through the collection tube (36) and deposits the packaging material in the receptacle (20). A discharge valve (81) is a scissors valve that extends through the disc (30) for discharging packaging material from the receptacle (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Industrial Components Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Anderson, David J. Schonberg
  • Patent number: 6974054
    Abstract: A fueling environment distributes fuel from a fuel supply to fuel dispensers in a daisy chain arrangement with a double-walled piping system. Fuel leaks that occur within the double-walled piping system are returned to the underground storage tank or a sump proximate the submersible turbine pump by the outer wall of the double-walled piping. This preserves the fuel for later use and helps reduce the risk of environmental contamination. Leak detectors may also be positioned in to fuel dispensers detect leaks and provide alarms for the operator, and help pinpoint leak detection that has occurred in the piping system proximate to a particular fuel dispenser or in between two consecutive fuel dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Ray J. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 6971419
    Abstract: A piping system for adding fuel to underground storage tanks includes a fill piping system and a vapor return piping system designed to prevent fuel spills and leakage of fuel vapors into the atmosphere. Fuel and vapor leakage are avoided by eliminating most of the threaded joints in each such piping assemblies by welding them into joint-free unitary stainless steel assemblies. A brace bar extends between the fill and vapor return piping systems and is secured to octagonal side flats on both assemblies such that the octagonal members cannot rotate unless the brace bar is removed. Annular synthetic rubber spill buckets are selectively inserted into each piping system to catch spills and prevent fuel from leaking near the tank or vapor from leaking out of the vapor recovery system into the atmosphere. In another modification, the spill bucket is used only on the fill piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Triangle Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Lessley
  • Patent number: 6968872
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering liquid chemical products, in which the residual liquid chemical products remaining in respective handling devices in a chemical production facility can be efficiently and safely recovered therefrom without leakage thereof out of the system. In the process for recovering liquid chemical products in a chemical production facility according to the present invention, the chemical products are withdrawn from the handling devices through bottom discharge pipes (14), (15), (16) and (17) thereof, directly collected by the gravity thereof into a common inclined collection pipe (13) located at a position lower than the bottom discharge pipes and connected to the bottom discharge pipes, and then delivered by the gravity thereof through the inclined collection pipe (13) to a recovery tank (1) located at a position lower than the inclined collection pipe and connected to a lower end of the inclined collection pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Sakakura, Shuhei Yada, Yasushi Ogawa, Yoshiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6968979
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for conveniently reducing spillage from dispensers. A base secures to, or is secured by the base. A holder secures to the base and receives a disposable cup. The disposable cup is typically readily available and may be readily replaced when the cup becomes full. The holder may be adjustable with respect to the dispenser to vary the position of the holder with respect to a spigot. The holder may be secured to the dispenser in an out-of-the-way position for ready storage and transportation. An adjustable holder, or a selectively inserted insert, may enable the holder to accommodate disposable cups of differing sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventors: Gerald Dennis Gribble, Richard Allen Wall, Gary Arnold Barnes
  • Patent number: 6962269
    Abstract: A fueling environment that distributes fuel from a fuel supply to fuel dispensers in a daisy chain arrangement with a double walled piping system. Fuel leaks that occur within the double walled piping system are returned to the underground storage tank by the outer wall of the double walled piping. This preserves the fuel for later use and helps reduce the risk of environmental contamination. Leak detectors may also be positioned in fuel dispensers detect leaks and provide alarms for the operator and help pinpoint leak detection that has occurred in the piping system proximate to a particular fuel dispenser or in between two consecutive fuel dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Ray J. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 6953132
    Abstract: An ice delivery system includes an ice bin with an ice maker thereon. An auger dispenses ice from the bin and agitators within the bin prevent blockage. The agitation may follow a pattern depending on the location of the agitators with some about the periphery less employed than those adjacent the auger. An ice gate receives ice and flowing air to direct the ice pneumatically to a multistation diverter. The flow through the diverter is vertically downwardly. Tubes from the diverter convey ice to remote dispensing stations. The dispensing stations have prechambers with drains and lockable gates to advantageously receive ice for delivery into the remote station bins or block the ice storage area to allow cleaning. Conduit couplings are configured to connect tubing without creating an area of ice blockage or allowing the buildup of contamination. Germicidal lights or ozone may be used in the ice bin to avoid contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventors: Gerald P. McCann, Donald J. Verley, Leonid Zatulovsky, Richard M. Humphreys
  • Patent number: 6941982
    Abstract: An food holder attachable to the outside of the food, such as an ice cream cone, for capturing liquid, the liquid be captured by an absorbent material and in a plurality of channels and interconnections for maximizing the surface of the absorbent material, the channels having openings to allow the liquid to enter via gravity, but small enough that upon momentary tilting of the food the liquid will not spill out of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: Donald Martin Swan, George Makris
  • Patent number: 6938639
    Abstract: A system and method for collecting distending medium or other fluids discharged during surgical procedures is shown. Also shown is a method for reducing the risk of hyponatremia. The apparatus makes it practical to determine the amount of distending medium retained by a patient during hysteroscopic or other surgical procedures, particularly procedures using non-isotonic distending medium during monopolar electrosurgery. The apparatus and methods are also useful during a variety of laparoscopic, obstetric, cardiovascular, liposuction, plastic, orthopedic, restorative, and other procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Promethean Medical Technologies
    Inventor: Allan R. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6938654
    Abstract: System for the transportation and storage of a product which comprises a tank including cylindrical wall section and two ends, wherein the cylindrical wall section and two ends define a cylindrical tank periphery, and wherein the tank periphery has an interior and an exterior. The system utilizes a valve box that includes one or more side walls, a bottom wall, and a removable, sealable top cover which can be attached to the one or more side walls to seal the valve box, wherein the valve box side walls are sealably joined to the cylindrical wall. One or more process valves are disposed in the valve box, wherein each valve has a first and a second end, wherein each first end is connected to a pipe which passes through a wall of the valve box for introducing product into the tank or withdrawing product from the tank. A purge valve and pressure measurement means are installed in fluid communication with the valve box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Yliy Gershtein, Robert William Ford, John Frederick Cirucci
  • Patent number: 6935264
    Abstract: A system for refueling a motorized marine vehicle without spilling fuel into the water is disclosed. A fuel tank is typically located within the vehicle and includes a filling tube and a vent tube secured thereto. A vent hole is formed in the vehicle and the vent tube of the fuel tank is in fluid communication with the vent hole. The present invention includes a tube in fluid communication with the vent hole of the marine vehicle for transporting any fuel located within the vent tube to a remote location. A vacuum source is connected to the tube. The vacuum source is adapted to draw the fuel through the tube and into a receptacle attached to the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Mark Harris
  • Patent number: 6929039
    Abstract: A marine vessel overflow tank system for use in the hull of a marine vessel that has a fuel system including a fuel vent line connecting a fuel tank to a vent that communicates with the atmosphere. The system comprises a first vent line fitting adapted for direct parallel communication with the fuel vent line. The internal cross sectional area of the first vent line fitting is approximately the same size as the internal cross sectional area of the fuel vent line. The system also comprises a second vent line fitting adapted for direct parallel communication with the fuel vent line. The internal cross sectional area of the second vent line fitting is approximately the same size as the internal cross sectional area of the fuel vent line. The system further comprises a fuel expansion tank. The fuel expansion tank comprises a plurality of walls defining an enclosed chamber and a first restrictive orifice located in one the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen P. Vaitses
  • Patent number: 6908012
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a back splash wall with a plurality of vertically spaced openings to provide edges for the connection of the drain tray assembly, said drain tray assembly comprising at least one drain opening and a substantially vertical back wall terminating in a channel adapted to receive and be positioned over an edge defined by one the vertically spaced openings of said back splash wall. The drain tray assembly can be vertically adjusted by lifting the channel off one edge of the back splash wall and then repositioning the same over another edge of the back splash wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Grindmaster Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 6901946
    Abstract: A battery spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the spills from spreading. The system may have rails that are readily removable to permit access to batteries and to allow more batteries to be stored in a given vertical space. Another system is comprised of modular pans that are connected to each other to form a larger spill containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: ExpoPower Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Frazier
  • Patent number: 6895990
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically shutting off the water supply to a leaking water heater includes a water collecting tray positionable beneath the heater, a valve mechanism attachable to the tray, a float mechanism, and an action arm interactive between the float mechanism and valve mechanism. When water collects in the tray, the float mechanism rises, causing the action arm to trigger the release of a spring-urged component of the valve mechanism to discontinue flow of water to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: James H. Carroll
  • Patent number: 6886608
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filling device for oil level regulation on oil pans in engines and transmissions, with an opening 1 in the base of the oil pan 2 which is closable with an oil drain screw 10, an oil filling collar 3 being arranged over the opening 1, the oil filling collar 3 projecting into the interior 4 of the oil pan, and a filling pipe 5 as an extension of the oil filling collar 3 being releasably attached to the oil filling collar 3, the free end 6 of the filling pipe 5 representing an overflow opening 7; the invention also relates to an oil pan containing the inventive filling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: IBS Filtran Kunststoff-/Metallerzeugnisse GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Jacob
  • Patent number: 6848481
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for removing hazardous liquid from a wet line of a cargo tanker truck. The system includes a sight glass module positioned at the outboard end of the wet line. The sight glass module includes a vent, a drain, and an optical sensor. When the optical sensor senses liquid in the module, a control system operates to pump the liquid from the drain into the cargo tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Bay, Scott Bradley Schugars
  • Patent number: 6845784
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler water catching apparatus includes a funnel member which has a funnel top portion, a funnel bottom portion, a funnel drain portion connected to the funnel bottom portion, and a pole-reception fitting. A drain hose is connected to the funnel drain portion. The end of a support pole is received in the pole-reception fitting. The fire sprinkler water catching apparatus of the invention is used to catch and carry away unwanted water that is sprayed from a fire sprinkler when the fire sprinkler is spraying water at an unwanted time, such as when a fusible link on the fire sprinkler is accidentally broken. Preferably, a flexible funnel cover is fitted onto the top of the funnel top portion. The flexible funnel cover includes a plurality of flexible and resilient funnel cover flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: James J. Pascznk
  • Patent number: 6840293
    Abstract: A liquid spill collector assembly is connected to a riser leading to an underground liquid storage tank and includes a collector container connected to the riser and a second or auxilliary collector container expanding storage capacity of the assembly which is connected to the top of the first collector container. The assembly also includes a platform for supporting an individual to facilitate access to the collector containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Philip E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6834687
    Abstract: Fluids disposal symbiotic apparatus represents system and method helping technician, lube professional, hobbyist, as well as automotive, aircraft or marine vehicle subject matter specialist quickly yet conveniently change and dispose oil, transmission and/or other fluids, including fresh and wasted, avoiding oil exchange mess by utilizing a symbiotic multifunctional fluid disposal apparatus for collecting, storing and dispensing diversity of waste fluids. Said apparatus equipped with plurality of intake funnel, control valves, and output hoses or nozzles, to symbiotically input and accommodate coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid or other drainage liquid configurations, and adapt to original set of emptied bottles or plastic containers as an output configuration hosted in an original box, thus ensuring an operator may safely, cleanly and conveniently drain, collect and accurately dispose waste fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Rustam Abzaletdinov
  • Patent number: 6834690
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recycling containers which use petroleum products, the apparatus having a housing, a perforated shelf within the housing, an assembly movable between upper and lower positions with assembly having a plurality of piercing members formed on an underside thereof, a drive member to move the assembly between the first and second positions, and liquid receiving means below the perforated shelf. Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, both the oil and the plastic containers may be recovered for recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Rino Michaud
  • Publication number: 20040256024
    Abstract: A center-filled fuel filler system and method for constructing same comprising a vehicle comprising a fuel filler receptacle, a fuel filler receptacle cap operably attached to the fuel filler receptacle, an apertured vehicle hood, the fuel filler receptacle cap protruding through the apertured vehicular hood, a spill tray attached to the fuel receptacle, an overflow pipe attached to the overflow tray to channel liquid away from the overflow tray, an apertured luggage compartment wall, and a fuel filler line, comprised of a curved L-shaped metal pipe, attached to the fuel filler receptacle and extending through the apertured luggage compartment wall. The method for positioning a fuel filler system in a vehicle utilizes an existing aperture in the luggage compartment wall, such that no additional apertures are made in the luggage compartment wall to route the fuel line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Mark David Schlachter
  • Publication number: 20040256023
    Abstract: A plastic container having an internal chamber for collection and transport of drained fluid oil, a handle on an upper part and a cylindrical protrusion on a lower part of the container provided with a mouth closed by a cap, the upper part of the container has a recess for removable elements to be used for fluid or oil changing and for adding of new oil in a manner similar to a funnel which is screwed into a hole, a cap is provided at the end of the oil discharge for closing or opening the hole on which the funnel is placed, and two collecting elements are placeable onto inlet holes or openings for oil which is to be added into the motor, to provide for positioning of the funnel and consequently to provide for the addition of new oil or topping-up oil to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Marco Camoli
  • Patent number: 6832635
    Abstract: Rainwater collection apparatus having a tank with a catchment cone above it. Between an outlet at the bottom of the cone and an inlet at the top of the tank is a sediment trap which has an annular chamber. An inlet pipe with openings near its upper end extends into the chamber, so that when the chamber overflows in use, the container is filled. Drain valves permit flushing of the sediment trap. The apparatus may form part of a system includes storage, purification and bottling equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Jan Andreas Adriaan Kruger
  • Publication number: 20040226626
    Abstract: Fluids disposal symbiotic apparatus represents system and method helping technician, lube professional, hobbyist, as well as automotive, aircraft or marine vehicle subject matter specialist quickly yet conveniently change and dispose oil, transmission and/or other fluids, including fresh and wasted, avoiding oil exchange mess by utilizing a symbiotic multifunctional fluid disposal apparatus for collecting, storing and dispensing diversity of waste fluids. Said apparatus equipped with plurality of intake funnel, control valves, and output hoses or nozzles, to symbiotically input and accommodate coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid or other drainage liquid configurations, and adapt to original set of emptied bottles or plastic containers as an output configuration hosted in an original box, thus ensuring an operator may safely, cleanly and conveniently drain, collect and accurately dispose waste fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Rustam Abzaletdinov
  • Publication number: 20040228686
    Abstract: A sump for installation generally under a fuel dispenser, has at least one upwardly extending access riser having an opening with an edge flush with a dispenser supporting surface. Two access risers may be provided, one spaced adjacent to a fuel dispenser, and the other disposed generally beneath the fuel dispenser. Sumps according to the invention provide ready access to electrical and mechanical components for inspection and repair, and eliminate any necessity for breaking up concrete surfaces or structures, or for removal of a dispenser and replacement thereof to access components in a sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Luis Argandona
  • Patent number: 6807990
    Abstract: A motorcycle and automobile gas tank paint protector preferably includes two scratch-resistant fabric pieces, a water/gasoline-resistant inlay, an internal protective ring, and a fabricated gas tank screw-in connector with an attached outer ring to insert gas nozzle. A gas tank hole opening is formed through the fabric, a protective inlay and inner protective ring between the two said fabric pieces thereof. The fabric pieces and inlay are preferably attached to each other on the outer perimeters thereof and the perimeter of the gas opening with stitching or any other suitable method. The gas tank paint protector is assembled with the connector screw-in piece, placed in the gas tank opening such that the connector piece can be screwed in the opening of the gas tank, fill the gas tank and removed. The gas tank paint protector may be folded and stored by inserting into a well air-ventilated canister or pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventors: Dena Michelle Hernandez, Kenneth Wayne Hernandez, William Hayes, Paula Jane Hayes
  • Patent number: 6802346
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for collecting process water at a paper machine or the like, wherein water from several suction elements (2 . . . 2n, 2m) provided at a wire (1) is led in such a way that an unbroken liquid column is maintained in the outlet pipes (8 . . . 8n, 8m) of the suction elements and is made to join a common collecting vessel (9, 9m). The liquid levels (20 . . . 20n) of the outlet pipes am regulated by regulating the liquid level (11) in at least one separate level vessel (10) towards which the water from the respective outlet pipes is led in at least one closed and essentially horizontal collecting channel (9, 9m) which is common for several outlet pipes. (8 . . . 8n, 8m), the liquid in said collecting channel (9, 9m) at the same time forming the lower part of said unbroken liquid column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Pom Technology Oy AB
    Inventor: Paul Olof Meinander
  • Publication number: 20040194849
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recycling containers which use petroleum products, the apparatus having a housing, a perforated shelf within the housing, an assembly movable between upper and lower positions with assembly having a plurality of piercing members formed on an underside thereof, a drive member to move the assembly between the first and second positions, and liquid receiving means below the perforated shelf. Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, both the oil and the plastic containers may be recovered for recycling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Rino Michaud
  • Publication number: 20040187957
    Abstract: A portable self-contained system for transferring liquefied gas, such as liquid petroleum gas or anhydrous ammonia, from a source tank (e.g., a railcar) to a receiving tank (e.g., a truck cargo tank), includes a portable platform providing transfer equipment such as a motor powered compressor, operating controls, transfer lines as well as valves and connectors to manage and direct the flow of fluid, and emergency controls such as shut off valves and pull away connectors for safety. A grounding system, safety shower and fire suppression system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: John J. Scheeter, Donald Fernald
  • Patent number: 6782914
    Abstract: A gaseous fuel discharge structure is used in a vehicle including an airtight cover disposed within a trunk thereof. The airtight cover covers a gaseous fuel containing tank. The structure includes an air introducing pipe and a gas discharging pipe both connected to the cover. If gaseous fuel leaks from within the tank, the structure is operated to discharge the gaseous fuel out of the vehicle. The air introducing pipe is provided with a fan. The air introducing pipe has an air intake flap while the gas discharging pipe has a discharge flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yozo Kami, Tohru Ono, Yoshihiro Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6779688
    Abstract: A system for collecting undesired concrete discharged from the concrete supply pipe of a mobile concrete pumping vehicle. The system includes a catch basin having an outer wall and a bottom wall that define an open reservoir. The catch basin includes an open top end that receives the second, discharge end of a delivery hose connected to the concrete supply pipe that distributes concrete out through the delivery hose. Preferably, the reservoir is sized to receive a sufficient volume of concrete to prevent the undesired discharge of the concrete during movement of the boom arm of the pumping vehicle. The catch basin includes a plurality of suspension straps that suspend the catch basin around the discharge end of the delivery hose during movement of the boom arm. The suspension straps are each connected to a support bracket mounted to the boom arm of the concrete pumping vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Putzmeister, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin G. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6772804
    Abstract: A disposable drip guard adapted for operable engagement with a fuel inlet of a standard motorcycle fuel tank in order to effectively absorb spilled fuel in the event of motorcycle tank overfill or fuel nozzle drip is provided. The disposable drip guard includes a plastic annular portion impervious to gasoline which forms a central, circular bore throughwhich the nozzle of a gasoline pump is inserted. The annular portion is disposed with a tri-layered fuel absorption bib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Terrance M. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6769516
    Abstract: An oil containment boot to prevent oil spillage during removal of inverted oil filter canisters and method of using same. The oil containment boot includes a peripheral side wall defining an open top end and an open bottom end. The open bottom end of the boot is operably sealingly secured over the oil filter receiving base such that the peripheral side wall extends upwardly a distance above the oil filter receiving base to surround at least the lower portion of the inverted oil filter canister. Upon removal of the inverted oil filter canister from the oil filter receiving base through the open top end, any oil in the inverted oil filter canister is contained within the peripheral side wall of the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald C. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20040108016
    Abstract: Rack system for supporting devices such as funnels, small and fluid containers to drain residual fluid after use. Residual fluid drains into a pan shaped collection device that may be filled with a layer of fluid absorbent material. Drain pans can be positioned on the system for draining residual fluid into the collection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: William J. Saks
  • Patent number: 6745802
    Abstract: A bottle drainage coupler unit has upper and lower coupler pairs to support bottles with viscous fluid such as ketchup for stable, effective, mouth to mouth drainage. The drainage is effected without the need for supervision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Carole Varga
  • Patent number: 6742551
    Abstract: New or unused consumable product is distributed with a package capable of capturing the used or spent product for transmission to a recycling or disposal facility. In the exemplary embodiment of motor oil, the package includes a drain pan jug for capturing the used motor oil. The drain pan jug includes a sloped upper surface from a surrounding peripheral lip to an opening therethrough and sidewalls tapered to allow nested stacking. The drain pan jug is of a height permitting insertion under a vehicle for capture of used motor oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gary W. Davis, Jon W. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6742550
    Abstract: A secondary containment cap apparatus for a turret of a hazardous fluid primary container having a primary container wall with a primary container turret opening having a turret opening perimeter wall, the secondary containment cap apparatus including a valve mounting plate extending over and covering the turret opening in sealing relation with the perimeter wall, the valve mounting plate having at least one valve port fitted with a fluid passing container valve; a containment cap including a cap wall with a concave cap interior and a cap abutment port, the cap abutment port having a cap abutment port rim, the containment cap being secured onto the valve mounting plate so that the container cap covers and encloses the fluid passing container valve, the cap abutment port rim being sealingly retained to the valve mounting plate; and a cap attachment structure securing the valve mounting plate to the perimeter wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Rudolph Caparros
  • Patent number: 6732770
    Abstract: A fueling crane comprises an extensible boom rotatably associated with a pedestal wherein the extensible boom has a first end rotatably affixed to a fuel inlet pipe mounted on the pedestal and a second end terminating in a fueling nozzle. The extensible boom has at least one elbow joint between the first end and the second end wherein the elbow joint permits the fueling crane to provide fuel to any vehicle spaced from the pedestal within a given radius. The extensible boom is generally disposed in an upright manner wherein the elbow joint is spaced horizontally from but substantially directly above the pedestal and the second end is substantially adjacent the first end when the extensible boom is in a storage position. The improved extensible boom has means for returning the fueling nozzle to the storage position with the fueling nozzle disposed directly over a fuel drip collector thus providing for an environmentally secure fueling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph M. Nusbaumer, Ronald Woods