With Signal, Indicator, Recorder, Inspection Means Or Exhibitor Patents (Class 141/94)
  • Patent number: 8757222
    Abstract: A product dispenser for use with a container. The product dispenser may include a container motion detector to detect the container in motion, a graphical user interface, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives a plurality of data associated with the container in motion from the container motion detector and implements instructions that perform the steps of determining the motion of the container, enabling a user to interact with the graphical user interface, and allowing the user to rotate or move the container to select a product type from the graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Arthur G. Rudick, Louis Mattos, Jr., Nilton Antonio Moreira Mattos, Qiuchen Peter Zhang, H. Brock Kolls
  • Patent number: 8752596
    Abstract: A hydrogen filling system includes: a hydrogen tank that is filled with hydrogen; a determination unit that determines whether to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen tank; and a temperature regulating unit that regulates a temperature of the hydrogen tank, wherein, when the determination unit determines to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen tank, the temperature regulating unit starts cooling the hydrogen tank before filling of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daigoro Mori, Kumiko Nishizawa, Kosei Yoshida, Keiji Toh, Shintaro Watanabe, Hidefumi Oishi, Hidehito Kubo
  • Publication number: 20140157729
    Abstract: A method for filling packages or containers with a padding material, wherein the padding material is fed to the package or the container by way of a feed unit. Contour properties of one or more packing pieces in the package or in the container are determined by a scanning unit, are processed by a logic device and a filling quantity of that volume of the package or the container to be filled is determined therefrom and, derived therefrom, a variable quantity of padding material is introduced into the package or the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Weinmann, Giovanni Berardi
  • Patent number: 8746296
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance is provided with a dispenser for directing a flow of ice and/or water to a dispenser recess of the dispenser. A camera is directed towards the dispenser recess, and a display is also provided for displaying an image from the camera. The image can assist a user in positioning a container within the dispenser recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph Anthony Tobbe, Jeffrey Martin Wood, Michael Thomas Chezem, Juan David Payares
  • Patent number: 8746295
    Abstract: A filling apparatus for serially filling multiple lanes of containers includes a plurality of piston pumps which receive flowable product from an associated source. Each pump includes a reciprocably movable pump piston, which can “float” upwardly during a filling stroke, as each pump is filled with product delivered thereto under pressure. The pump pistons can move upwardly independently, until each reaches a predetermined position, corresponding to the quantity of product with which each container is to be filled. After all of the pistons reach their respective predetermined positions, valves of the pumps are simultaneously operated, and the pistons simultaneously stroked so that respective containers are filled with the flowable product. The multiple lanes of containers are thereafter indexed, and the filling cycle repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Osgood Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Mueller, Michael A. Weigandt
  • Publication number: 20140150925
    Abstract: A fluid connector for selectively establishing fluid communication between a first medical container and a second medical container is provided. The fluid connector includes an adapter configured to removably attach to the first container. The adapter includes an access port and a cap. The connector further includes an outer sleeve connected to the adapter and a tubular body retained at least partially within the outer sleeve. The body has a proximal end connected to the adapter and a distal end connected to the second container. The fluid connector is transitionable from a first position in which the first container and the second container are in fluid isolation to a second position in which the first container and the second container are in fluid communication. At least a portion of the cap of the adapter is retained within the outer sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Jesper Sjögren, Fredrik Ullman
  • Patent number: 8739840
    Abstract: A method for managing orders and dispensing products into a container. The method may include the steps of prompting a user selection of a product type at an order entry station, printing indicia on the container indicating at least the product type selected, reading the indicia at a product dispensing station, and dispensing the product type selected into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Louis Mattos, Jr., Qiuchen Peter Zhang, Nilton Antonio Moreira Mattos, Arthur G. Rudick, H. Brock Kolls
  • Patent number: 8739841
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vent tube apparatus, system and methods incorporating a traceable material such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag for use in conjunction with a filling machine during container filling operations for a quicker and more accurate detection of the location of the vent tube after it has become detached from a filling machine during filling operations, and to increase the safety of the filling operation and reduce costs and time when a malfunction occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Dorcia, LLC
    Inventors: Grant Cook, Daniel Namie
  • Publication number: 20140144544
    Abstract: The medicament dispensing machine enables to use vials having various sizes and shapes without changing a part in the machine or without performing a special operation. The medicament dispensing machine contains a discharging unit that receives a vial filled with a medicament from a medicament filling means and discharges out of a vial discharging window. The discharging unit contains a vial gripping means having a pair of gripping arms that grip a vial, a body of gripping means having the vial gripping means, a moving means that moves the vial gripping means from the medicament filling means to the vial discharging window, and an orientation changing mechanism that changes the orientation of the body of gripping means. With a coordination of the movement of the body of gripping means toward the vial discharging window, the orientation changing mechanism makes the gripping arms orient to the vial discharging window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shoji YUYAMA, Naoki KOIKE, Takafumi IMAI, Yoshinori KUMANO, Akira MAEDA, Mitsuhiro MITANI
  • Patent number: 8730024
    Abstract: A removable fuel tank indicator having a housing, wherein the housing is removable and universal to all automobiles and wherein the housing attaches to an automobile connection point located within the interior of the automobile; a removable arm temporarily attached to the housing, wherein the removable arm signals which side of the automobile a fuel tank is located; a means for attaching the housing to the automobile connection point wherein the automobile connection point is located within the interior of the automobile and said connection point is capable of attaching to the housing; the fragrance cartridge adapted for insertion into the opening and locking into the cavity of the housing, wherein where the cartridge is properly inserted into the opening and cavity of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Carlos H. Cabezas
  • Patent number: 8720499
    Abstract: A fuel quality monitoring system and method to automatically and/or continuously monitor quality of fuel dispensed and control the operation of the fuel dispenser. The control system monitors fuel quality to prevent unsafe refuelings when the fuel quality is unacceptable. In one embodiment, a combination of a differential pressure sensor, a water detector, and/or a particle monitor is employed inline the fuel flow path of a fuel dispenser, and in particular an aviation refueling truck, to monitor the quality of the fuel. If fuel quality is at an acceptable level although not ideal, the control system can allow fueling with the generation of reports and alarms. If the fuel quality is unacceptable, fuel flow can be stopped. If the differential pressure across the filter indicates a high degree of debris and/or water retention, the control system can automatically lower the flow rate to reduce the risk of filter breakdown without completely preventing fueling until the filter can be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Fuel Guard Systems Corporation, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher K. Kastner, Kevin G. Jensen, Phillip A. Wetmore
  • Patent number: 8714210
    Abstract: A select-fill dispensing system and method for a dispenser assembly utilizes a camera to sense a desired fill level based on the location of a user's finger with respect to a container. In use, a consumer places his or her finger along a container to indicate the desired fill level of the container. Image data from the camera is transmitted to a controller and processed for distortion correction, edge based image segmentation and morphological operations are carried out to remove background noise. The processed image data is utilized to detect the presence of the container, as well as the shape of the container, the position of the container opening, and the top and bottom points of the container. The controller provides a means for controlling the dispensing operation, including a fill rate, based on the desired fill level and the shape of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Kevin M. Chase, Brian P. Janke, Shreecharan Kanchanavally, Ronald L. Voglewede
  • Publication number: 20140116572
    Abstract: The present invention is a fluid exchange machine, such as a brake fluid exchange machine or an automatic transmission fluid exchange machine, that includes a new fluid tank, a waste fluid collector, a pump for introducing new fluid into a vehicle, and a controller for managing the operation of the fluid exchange machine. Coupled to the controller is a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver that can identify the location of the fluid exchange machine at all times, and a wireless transmitter that can wirelessly transmit the location of the fluid exchange machine to a remote location. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless transmitter can also track and communicate the number and time of each fluid exchange operation, and the amount of fluid, so the recipient of the data can discern where the fluid exchange machine is at all times, how many fluid exchange operations the machine performs, and when each fluid exchange operation is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew Flournoy, Frank Casale
  • Patent number: 8708004
    Abstract: A fueling control system for providing fuel from a vehicle to an aircraft, and a method of providing fuel from a fuel vehicle to an aircraft are disclosed herein. The fueling control system includes a pressure transducer for sensing back pressure in a fluid path to a fuel tank of an aircraft, and a digital controller coupled to the pressure transducer for receiving the back pressure in the fluid path and controlling fuel flow in the fluid path to the aircraft. The method includes the steps of sensing back pressure in a fluid path from the aircraft; receiving the sensed back pressure by a digital controller; and controlling fuel flow to the aircraft in the fluid path based on the sensed back pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Owen Watkins
  • Patent number: 8708005
    Abstract: A gas filling system includes a vehicle having a gas tank, and a gas station that supplies the gas tank with gas. The vehicle includes a controller having a filling protocol that specifies a method of control on the gas station side that is used when the gas is filled into the gas tank. The gas station controls filling of the gas into the gas tank according to the filling protocol provided by the controller. A filling protocol specific to the vehicle is used and therefore, it is made possible to perform filling adapted to the gas tank of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Mori
  • Publication number: 20140102582
    Abstract: An ice vending machine automatically provides ice to a customer based upon a request from the consumer for the ice. In some embodiments, the ice vending machine includes an ice bagging system. In some embodiments, the bagging system operates without the use of a counterweight. In some embodiments, the ice vending machine includes a view window to view the ice being bagged. In some embodiments, the ice vending machine is an ice and liquid water vending machine that automatically provides ice or liquid water to a customer based on a request from the customer for the ice or liquid water. In some embodiments, the ice and liquid water vending machine includes an ultraviolet light flushing assembly. In some embodiments, the ice and liquid water vending machine includes a chill tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ICE HOUSE AMERICA, LLC
    Inventors: Ernest Chip Venet, III, Steven Alan Weeks, Daniel LaDon Dunn, Troy Doom
  • Patent number: 8695646
    Abstract: Sensor system for acoustic detection in a dispensing system of a container having a rim and content includes at least one controller coupled to the dispensing system for selectively triggering on and off the dispensing system, an ultrasound position sensor coupled to the controller for emitting a first ultrasound beam towards a container-receiving location, for receiving ultrasound echoes indicative of a position of the container relative to a dispenser outlet, and for sending a first signal to the at least one controller indicative of the container position relative to the dispenser outlet, and an ultrasound fill sensor coupled to the at least one controller for emitting a second ultrasound beam towards the container-receiving location, for receiving ultrasound echoes indicative of the rim and content surface, and for sending to the at least one controller a second signal indicative of the position of the content surface relative to the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sensotech Inc.
    Inventors: Uri Agam, Pino Marcovecchio, Elad Wallach, Guy Mualem
  • Patent number: 8662115
    Abstract: A fuel gas station, a fuel gas filling system, and a fuel gas filling method which can check whether information on temperature of the inside of a fuel tank is correct, so that a fuel tank is properly filled. The fuel gas station calculates a difference of temperature between a temperature of the inside of the fuel tank and a temperature of fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel tank after supplying of fuel gas for a predetermined length of time. When the calculated difference of temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the fuel gas station determines that the information on temperature of the inside of the fuel tank is abnormal, and reduces at least one of supply flow and supply quantity of fuel gas as compared to when such information is normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 8662114
    Abstract: A device for loss-free filling of continuously mixed media in containers may include a mixing tank, a filler valve, and a connecting line. The mixing tank serves to receive and mix at least two different media, of which at least one medium is a fluid, and has a closing device for closing an outlet from the mixing tank. The filler valve serves for filling the mixed media from the mixing tank in the containers. The connecting line is arranged between the outlet from the mixing tank and the filler valve. Here the closing device has a ventilation line that can be connected with the connecting line to ventilate the connecting line to the filler valve. Also a plant may include such a device and a transport device for transporting the containers to the filler valve of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Rupert Meinzinger
  • Patent number: 8665093
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a main apparatus portion, a unique identification device for attachment in close proximity to the main apparatus portion and an interrogation system provided as part of the main apparatus portion for wirelessly interrogating the identification device such that the main apparatus portion function is enabled only when in close proximity to the identification device. The identification device is adapted to be made disfunctional by detachment or attempted detachment. In this arrangement, the main apparatus portion is the normal electronic apparatus to be protected from theft. It is provided with an interrogation system so that it can be made to cease functioning if not in close proximity to the identification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Michael M. P. Peeters, Jan L. R. M. Taelman, Frank C. H. Daems, Veroni Ballet
  • Patent number: 8662235
    Abstract: A multiply-redundant system that prevents a driver from starting and/or moving a vehicle if a compressed natural gas fill system is not correctly and completely disconnected from the vehicle. One or more sensors in combination with one or more optional microswitches combine to lock-out the vehicle's ignition or otherwise prevent it from starting and/or moving. For different levels of safety, different combinations of sensors can be used with the lowest level having a single proximity sensor sensing the presence or absence of a high-pressure fill hose. The highest level of safety being achieved by having separate proximity sensors on the fuel fill hose fitting, the gas cap cover and a manual safety valve along with a redundant microswitch. An optional override that may be restricted as to the number of times it can be used can allow starting with a faulty sensor in order to allow maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel McNicholas
  • Publication number: 20140053944
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for conducting a refill of a beverage container. A beverage container may be detected at a refill station. The beverage container may be associated with a user account. The refill station may access information stored in the user account to determine if the beverage container is permitted to be refilled. Based on the determination, the refill station may refill the beverage container. Information indicative of the refill process may be displayed on an electronic display of the refill station. The refill station may also capture an image of the user of the beverage container and compare the captured image with an image stored in the associated user account to confirm the identity of the user. The determination that the beverage container may be refilled may be based, at least in part, on the identity confirmation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Anheuser-Busch InBev
    Inventor: Winston Wang
  • Publication number: 20140053943
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring a fuel delivery system to limit acidic corrosion. An exemplary monitoring system includes a controller, at least one monitor, and an output. The monitoring system may collect and analyze data indicative of a corrosive environment in the fuel delivery system. The monitoring system may also automatically warn an operator of the fueling station of the corrosive environment so that the operator can take preventative or corrective action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorraine Vander Wielen Sabo, William Nelson
  • Patent number: 8656938
    Abstract: A method of fueling with compressed gas is described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a supply of compressed gas; providing a storage tank with a fueling line, and a nozzle in the fueling line, the nozzle movable between at least a flow reduction position and a full fuel flow position; initiating fueling from the supply of compressed gas with the nozzle in the flow reduction position for a predetermined time or until a minimum pressure is obtained; when the predetermined time or the minimum pressure is obtained, moving the nozzle to the full fuel flow position; and fueling the storage tank from the supply of compressed gas with the nozzle in the full fuel flow position until fueling is completed. A vehicle incorporating the nozzle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Hobmeyr, Jurgen Thyroff
  • Patent number: 8621879
    Abstract: A method of charging or recharging an air conditioning wherein an initial amount of refrigerant is introduced, followed by additional introductions of refrigerant during injection pulses. The pulse periods are adjusted dynamically during the charging/recharging process based on feedback obtained after each pulse related to how much refrigerant was transferred during the previous pulse. Also, a system for implementing the above-mentioned method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventors: William Brown, Mark McMasters
  • Patent number: 8607829
    Abstract: This invention provides for the fully automated, hands free, packing of chromatography columns by means of delivering a pre-calculated volume of slurry and using two different packing modalities to stop the packing when either 1) this volume has been delivered in the column, or 2) when the adapter is moved to reach a bed height corresponding to the pre-calculated volume. Thus, a chromatography column can be packed in a fully automated fashion and such a column is 1) stable and 2) has the desired performance characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences Corp.
    Inventors: Alan M. Williams, Kyril Dambuleff, Kathryn Taylor, John Davis, Adam Kaletski, Daniel Go, Scott R. Muller
  • Publication number: 20130319575
    Abstract: A flexible bag for biopharmaceutical use, includes a shell for receiving, in an inner space thereof, a flowable biopharmaceutical product, and flexible walls joined by fixed and sealed rigid-connection areas, two opposite walls being connected to each other by the peripheries thereof, at least one inlet port and one outlet port, a port being combined with a passage of the shell and mounted thereon by fixed and sealed connection elements, a plurality of similar outlet ports grouped together in a tapping area, a tapping wall provided with at least one opening for the passage and assembly of the outlet port for the similar outlet ports, fixed and sealed port-shell connection elements which are rigidly, fixedly, and sealingly connected to the tapping wall around the at least one opening for the passage and assembly of the outlet port, and an area for folding the two opposite walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH S.A.
    Inventor: Nicolas Mendyk
  • Publication number: 20130319579
    Abstract: Described is a dispensing device for a liquid product filling machine comprising a plurality of the dispensing devices. Each dispensing device comprises a dispensing conduit having a product outlet opening, a shutter for the outlet opening, an actuating unit adapted to move the shutter from a closed position to an open position of the outlet opening and vice versa, a flexible membrane which separates the dispensing conduit from the actuating unit, a product presence detector, indicating when the flexible membrane is broken and connected to a control unit which each dispensing device is equipped with in such a way as to stop dispensing the product from the dispensing device whose flexible membrane is broken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Arionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Carrara
  • Patent number: 8596308
    Abstract: A method is for handling a sterilized food product and includes securing an aseptic fitment to a filling port of an intermodal container including a rigid shell having an elongate shape with opposed closed ends, and at least one frame assembly supporting the rigid shell. The method also includes sterilizing the intermodal container, and aseptically filling the sterilized intermodal container with the sterilized food product through the aseptic fitment. The method may also include sealing the aseptic fitment after aseptic filling. A related intermodal container and filling station are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Schrader, Manuele Levati, Paul P. Brocker
  • Patent number: 8590581
    Abstract: A method for filling bottles or similar containers (2) with a liquid filling material comprising at least two components, using a filling system (1) comprising at least one filling element (3) having a fluid channel (6) for the controlled dispensing of the filling material by way of at least one dispensing opening (11), said channel forming said dispensing opening, a liquid valve (13) being disposed in said channel and said channel being connected to a first component supply container or vessel (8) by way of a liquid connection (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Publication number: 20130306190
    Abstract: A rotary-type filling machine includes a rotary body, a liquid distribution chamber, a plurality of filling flow path configuration units, each of which has a fluid path constituted by a liquid path connected to the liquid distribution chamber and a liquid valve and configured to individually introduce a liquid into a container, a filling control device, a liquid supply unit, a pressure difference information detection unit configured to detect pressure difference information between a liquid distribution chamber pressure, which is a pressure of the liquid in the liquid distribution chamber, and a filling atmospheric pressure detected as a pressure of a flow release unit in a filling flow path configuration unit at an arbitrary radial direction position of the rotary body, and a rotation information detection unit configured to detect rotation information of the rotary body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Food & Packaging Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Tanaka, Masayuki Hayashi, Shinji Ishikura
  • Patent number: 8584712
    Abstract: A station for reloading a sprayer is disclosed that includes a tank coupled to at least one coating material circuit by a coupler, a docking unit that is adapted to receive a sprayer; and at least one accumulator having a volume that is greater than or equal to the volume of the tank. Each accumulator is connected to at least one circuit by the coupler. The station also includes a mechanism for pressurizing the accumulator. The accumulator is connected to the docking unit which is, in turn, connected to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sames Technologies
    Inventors: Patrick Ballu, Thierry Buquet, Cédric Le Strat, Eric Prus, Hervé Walter
  • Publication number: 20130291998
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for filling packages with a bulk cushioning material, in particular foam peanuts, where the cushioning material is conveyed to the package by a feed unit. In order to be able to easily fill the packages in an automated fashion, according to the invention, a measuring device is used to determine a volume of the package to be filled, a variable quantity of cushioning material is poured into a receiving container of the feed unit by means of a quantity-varying unit, and this poured quantity is poured into a package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicants: Koteam Maschinenbau GmbH, B & W Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Konnerth
  • Patent number: 8573262
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting an ORVR-compatible Stage II vapor recovery system to maintain the air-to-liquid (A/L) ratio within desired tolerances or limits to meet regulatory and/or other requirements. An air flow sensor (AFS) or vapor flow meter measures the amount of recovered vapor for a dispensing point to calculate the recovery efficiency of the system in the form of the A/L ratio. Volume or flow rate measurements can be used. ORVR fueling transactions are either minimized or excluded from the A/L ratio, so that the A/L ratio is not artificially lowered due to a blocked or altered recovery. The A/L ratio is then compared to a desired or nominal A/L ratio. Adjustments to the recovery system are made within prescribed safety tolerances if the A/L ratio differs from the desired ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventor: Kevin Hughes
  • Publication number: 20130276935
    Abstract: There is provided a drug refilling apparatus. The apparatus includes a main body on which a drug cartridge is mounted, a cartridge mounting unit installed on a top surface of the main body to allow the drug cartridge mounted thereon, an unfastening unit unfastening a fastened state of a cover included in the drug cartridge, and a cartridge locking unit locking or unlocking the drug cartridge while the drug cartridge is being mounted on the cartridge mounting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: JVM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jun Ho KIM
  • Publication number: 20130269831
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with pharmaceutical articles comprises a transfer element (1) arranged to receive articles from a conveyor (V) and to transfer them to a mouth (I) of an article accumulating conduit (C) positioned above a container. A sensor (8, 9) detects article characteristics and counts the articles. A mobile element (2) has a first curved surface (21) and a second curved surface (22), the element being movable between a first orientation (P1), in which the first curved surface enables an advancement of articles detected as being whole towards the mouth (I) of the accumulating conduit (C), and a second orientation (P2), with the second curved surface (22) arranged to prevent a continuity of advancement for the articles detected as not being whole, diverting these away from the mouth of the accumulating conduit (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe MONTI
  • Publication number: 20130255827
    Abstract: A system for filling a blow-fill-seal (BFS) container is provided. The system includes a first fluid circuit constructed to selectively deliver a purge fluid to an open BFS container. A second fluid circuit selectively delivers a product to the open BFS container. A third fluid circuit, having a vent line in fluid communication with the open BFS container and to the ambient, directs a bulk fluid comprising at least the purge fluid from the container when the purge fluid is introduced into the BFS container. The second circuit selectively delivers product when the first fluid circuit selectively does not deliver the purge fluid, and the second circuit selectively does not deliver product when the first circuit selectively delivers the purge fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: R.P. SCHERER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin C. Colangelo
  • Patent number: 8539997
    Abstract: A filling head 10 is described for filling in a liquid into a filler neck of a tank 14. To ensure highly reliable operation, a rotary connecting element 26 is provided to form a mechanical connection by rotating in relation to the filler neck of the tank 14. A rotatable operating part 30 serves to rotate the rotary connecting element 26. The operating part 30 is coupled to the rotary connecting element 26 by means of a torque-limiting coupling device 32 that, given a threshold torque, is triggered at least in one direction of rotation and decouples the rotatable operating part 30 from the rotary connecting element 26. A sensor is provided to detect the triggering of the torque-limiting coupling device 32 and to send a release signal for the established connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Walter Söhner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Driftmeyer, Alex Klatt
  • Patent number: 8539990
    Abstract: A port door unlatching system is provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel delivery subsystem with a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Willard Ferguson, Daryl Zalan, Andrew Dai, Troy Adam Nergaard, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian, Scott Ira Kohn
  • Publication number: 20130241479
    Abstract: A safety circuit for disconnecting the power feed to an EV (electrical vehicle) charging enclosure or gasoline station fuel pump enclosure in the event that the enclosure is partially or totally dislodged from the foundation and dangerously high voltage has been exposed due to underground conduits being torn apart and electrical cables being exposed and in contact with sheet metal cabinets and other metal parts, thus creating the possibility of an explosion or the electrocution of a user or bystanders. The safety circuit comprises at least two proximity sensors, each of which transmits a signal into a control circuit which causes the power feed to the enclosure to be disconnected at the source when either or both of the proximity sensors inform the control circuit that the station has moved either vertically or horizontally more than a few thousandths of an inch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Robert W. Wright, JR., James E. Maddox
  • Publication number: 20130240084
    Abstract: A vending machine for refilling a bottle with liquid is provided. The vending machine includes a refilling station that is configured to receive and refill only bottles from a set of bottles having the same configuration with the liquid. The vending machine includes a liquid source for supplying the liquid and a payment acceptor that is configured to accept payment to refill the bottle with liquid from the liquid source. A respective bottle from the set of bottles is refilled with liquid from the liquid source when received by the filling station in response to the payment acceptor receiving payment to refill the bottle with liquid from the liquid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Bradley Allen Carter, Neil Robert Bumgarner
  • Publication number: 20130233437
    Abstract: A container handling installation in which retaining and transport elements transport containers in a transport direction and in which filling stations fill containers with product includes an inspection device for checking the container for unwanted foreign matter. The inspection device is integral with the retaining and transport element and includes a piezo sensor. Also included is an evaluation unit connected to the inspection device. The inspection device is configured to connect to the container such that the container and the inspection device move together in a respective direction of movement and in the transport direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Herrmann, Claas Fritsche, Marius Michael Hermann, Alfred Drenguis
  • Patent number: 8528610
    Abstract: A substance communication coupling system includes a substance connector component for communication of a substance with another substance connector component. A substance switch is provided for selectively permitting communication of the substance between the substance connector components. The substance switch is activated to transfer a substance from a substance source to a substance consumer in response to a proximity sensor engaging a proximity target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Kuehl, Richard A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8528607
    Abstract: Liquid beverage filling machine for filling containers, such as bottles or cans, with a liquid beverage, and a method of filling containers with a liquid beverage, in which the flow of liquid is monitored and measured. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Felix Wagner
  • Patent number: 8523065
    Abstract: We provide a system and method for temporarily coupling a beverage purchase with an RFID tag or other media, then recovering the RFID tag or other media for reuse after the beverage has been dispensed. Media may be, for example, but are not limited to cards (including plastic, cardboard, or paper cards), keychains, or key fobs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Validfill, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy L. Wade, Gregory M. Edelson
  • Patent number: 8522832
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a device for transferring precise amounts of fluid from at least one source container to a at least one target container. In some embodiments, the fluid is first transferred from the source container (e.g., a vial) through a connector to an intermediate measuring container (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments air can pass through an air inlet and enter the vial to compensate for the volume of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An air check valve or a bag or a filter can prevent the fluid from escaping through the air inlet. The precisely measured amount of fluid can then be transferred from the intermediate measuring container to the target container (e.g., an IV bag). In some embodiments the connector can include a source check valve and a target check valve to direct fluid first from the source container to the intermediate measuring container and then from the intermediate measuring container to the target container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr., Peter Leissling, Matthias Janssen
  • Patent number: 8522834
    Abstract: A gas filling device comprises a gas supplier configured to supply the gas to gas filler passages and a controller configured to separately open and close each of the valves provided in the respective gas filler passages, so as to control a gas flow supplied from the gas supplier, wherein the controller comprises a heat dissipation information acquirer configured to obtain heat dissipation information regarding heat dissipation capacity of each of the plurality of tanks and an in-tank information acquirer configured to obtain information regarding at least one of temperature and pressure in each of the plurality of tanks, and the controller is characterized to cause opening and closing the valves to allow communication between the separate gas filler passages, based on the heat dissipation information obtained by the heat dissipation information acquirer and the information in the tank obtained by the in-tank information acquirer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiji Okawachi
  • Patent number: 8522835
    Abstract: A hydrogen source comprises a first hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a first form and a second hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a second form different from the first form. The hydrogen source comprises a means for converting hydrogen from the first form to hydrogen gas and transferring the hydrogen gas from the first hydrogen reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir. An interface is provided for transferring hydrogen from the second hydrogen reservoir to a hydrogen reservoir in a portable device. The interface comprises a fluidic coupling. The hydrogen source may be used to provide hydrogen fuel to a wide range of portable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Société BIC
    Inventors: Gerard F. McLean, Joerg Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20130213518
    Abstract: A spout is operably connected to a transferring material for transferring the agricultural material to the receiving vehicle. An imaging device faces towards the storage portion of the receiving vehicle and collects image data. A container module is adapted to determine a container position of the storage portion, or its container perimeter. A spout module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data, or to determine a spout position. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container position based on the collected image data and to generate command data or user interface data to facilitate placement of the spout and storage container in relative cooperative alignment for transferring of material from the transferring vehicle to the receiving vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Deere & Company
  • Patent number: 8511348
    Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a beverage are provided. The system includes a liquid dispensing machine having a dispensing area capable of receiving a container, a scanner adjacent to the dispensing area, a container that is capable of being placed in the dispensing area, and annular barcode indicia extending around an exterior surface of the container and centered around a generally vertical axis of the container. The scanner can read the annular barcode indicia when the container is placed in the dispensing area at any rotational orientation relative to the scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Insight Beverages, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W. Lillard, Jr.