Level Or Pressure In Receiver Patents (Class 141/95)
  • Patent number: 11953153
    Abstract: A high-pressure gas cylinder valve for vehicle includes a valve seat having a gas charging runner and a gas supplying runner. A check valve is connected in series onto the gas charging runner, and the check valve and a solenoid valve are connected in series sequentially onto the gas supplying runner in a gas flow direction. A portion of the gas supplying runner located downstream of the solenoid valve is jointly connected to a portion of the gas charging runner adjacent to a gas inlet end and supplies gas to outside through a gas inlet of the gas charging runner when the gas supplying runner supplies gas. The gas cylinder valve further includes a flow-blocking buffer structure connected in series onto the gas supplying runner and located downstream of the solenoid valve and upstream of an intersection of the gas supplying runner and the gas charging runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: YAPP AUTOMOTIVE PARTS (KAIFENG) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guanghui Tan, Lin Jiang, Shaowen Hu, Yinchun Liu, Xiaoqiong Dong, Kaige He
  • Patent number: 11920733
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for diagnosing a failure of a flowmeter in a measuring machine, includes calculating a filling amount at an end of filling of the hydrogen gas into a tank from the measuring machine by using a pressure, a temperature, and a volume of the tank; and determining whether or not the flowmeter fails by using a plurality of error values between a metering filling amount at the end of filling measured using the flowmeter and a calculated filling amount at the end of filling calculated using the pressure, the temperature, and the volume of the tank, the plurality of error values being based on a plurality of past performance data stored in a storage device, and an error value at the end of filling of the hydrogen gas at a present time, and outputting a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ENEOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshio Tezuka, Tatsuya Rembutsu, Koki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 11877563
    Abstract: An artificial reef structure including thin tensile members as part of the structure. These tensile members readily accumulate marine life to create a more organic structure. The reef structure can accommodate a wide variety of ocean sensing and communication systems. Embedded lighting and electronic elements can be used to attract and monitor marine life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventors: David Fries, Tim Hutcheson, David Millie, Connor Tate, Noam Josef
  • Patent number: 11781221
    Abstract: A chemical vessel is disclosed comprising a dip tube and a level sensor tube arranged in an elongated counterbore incorporated into a housing of the chemical vessel. The chemical vessel may be configured to allow a pushback routine to take place, whereby a level of liquid in the chemical vessel is reduced to a point that the dip tube is free from liquid inside the dip tube or at the bottom of the dip tube. Once the dip tube is free of the liquid, then a vacuum source may be used to purge vapor within the chemical vessel without the risk of damage to the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Yednak, III, Todd Robert Dunn
  • Patent number: 11656114
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is positioned on an exterior of a tank to measure a fluid level within the tank. The tank is modified to include a surface feature and the sensor assembly is slotted within that surface feature. The sensor assembly includes a sensor device and a control circuit configured to drive the sensor device and evaluate readings to determine the fluid level. The sensor assembly further includes a communications interface to enable communication with a management system via a communications network. The management system can store information (e.g. fill status) related to the tank and additionally communicate with vendors or end users to coordinate resupply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: AMTROL LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Tiago Teixeira Rego de Oliveira, Antonio Paulo Reimao Dias Sardinha, Pedro Alexandre Queiros Oliveira Silva Vieira, Lanceres Mendez Senen, Vitor Manuel Gomes Correia
  • Patent number: 11524532
    Abstract: A tire pressure system for a vehicle includes an inflation/deflation system that includes a compressor and a valve in fluid communication with four tires. Each of the four tires have a tire pressure. At least one sensor is configured to receive at least one of vehicle location data, vehicle environmental data and other sensor information. A controller is in communication with the inflation/deflation system and the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to select at least one of the four tires to adjust the tire pressure of the selected at least one of the four tires. The controller is configured to control at least one of the valve and compressor to achieve at least one of desired fuel economy and desired road control of the selected at least one of the four tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Stopczynski
  • Patent number: 11406564
    Abstract: A drug preparation kit is disclosed that includes an adapter and a funnel unit. The adapter has a stud section with an in-container side and an out-container side. The stud section of the adapter is dimensioned to tightly fit into an opening of a container. The adapter has an access passage extending from the out-container side to the in-container side through the stud section. The funnel unit has a neck portion dimensioned to tightly fit into the access passage of the adapter. The funnel unit has a degassing channel formation arranged to provide a degassing channel extending from the in-container side of the stud section of the adapter to the out-container side of the stud section of the adapter when the neck portion of the funnel unit is fitted into the access passage of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE INC.
    Inventors: Geraint Iwan Davies, Guillaume Gerard
  • Patent number: 11408562
    Abstract: Leak testing is performed after filling a first tank with pressurized gas and before filling a second tank with the same via a filling circuit including first and second isolation valves. After the first tank is filled, the pressure of gas trapped between the two closed isolation valves is measured. If the pressure is below a predetermined threshold, the first isolation valve is opened until the pressure reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold, at which time the first isolation valve is closed and the second isolation valve is opened so that the leak test may be performed. If the pressure is otherwise at or above the threshold, the leak test is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Thibaut Francois
  • Patent number: 11370651
    Abstract: To provide a hydrogen filling system and a hydrogen filling method capable of preventing hydrogen from being filled at high filling rate in the same manner as the communication filling despite a condition that pressure, temperature and so on in the in-vehicle tank are not precisely grasped. The hydrogen filling system (100) of the present invention includes a control unit (CU1, CU2, CU3) for controlling hydrogen filling, wherein the control unit has a function of judging whether or not there is an abnormality in pressure or temperature data in an in-vehicle tank (IT) at communication filling and a function of stopping the communication filling and converting to non-communication filling when there is an abnormality in the pressure or the temperature data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: TATSUNO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoaki Natori, Yuichi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11187569
    Abstract: A sensor includes a planar T-resonator and an oscillator. The planar T-resonator can be a branched T-resonator with at least two symmetrical branches coupled to a stub. The oscillator has an input coupled to the planar T-resonator and an output. The oscillator has a negative resistance within a predetermined frequency range. The oscillator can be configured so that it has an input phase approximately equal to a phase of the planar T-resonator over a majority of the predetermined frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Muhammad Akram Karimi, Atif Shamim
  • Patent number: 11069678
    Abstract: A logic gate cell structure is disclosed. The logic gate cell structure includes a substrate, a channel layer disposed over the substrate, and a field-effect transistor (FET) contact layer disposed over the channel layer. The FET contact layer is divided by an isolation region into a single contact region and a combined contact region. The channel layer and the FET contact layer form part of a FET device. A collector layer is disposed within the combined contact region over the FET contact layer to provide a current path between the channel layer and the collector layer though the FET contact layer. The collector layer, a base layer, and an emitter layer form part of a bipolar junction transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Zampardi, Brian G. Moser, Denny Limanto
  • Patent number: 10812879
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic device and methods relating to the electronic device, an electronic device having a plurality of modes, a method of changing the mode of an electronic having a plurality of modes, and specifically but not exclusively to an electronic device for a gauge attached to a vessel, an electronic device for a gas meter, and a telemetric fitting for a gauge attached to a vessel, and a telemetric fitting for gas meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: SILICON CONTROLS PTY LTD.
    Inventors: John Richard Haddy, Michael Alexander St. Leger Neuman
  • Patent number: 10646096
    Abstract: A flood detection sensor for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The flood detection sensor includes features that allow for detection of flood events or tub overfills without sacrificing performance or efficiency of the dishwasher during normal operating conditions and for secure mounting to a tub lip of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Anthony DeCataldo, Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis
  • Patent number: 10624521
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance that includes features for prevention and detection of flood events and leaks without sacrificing performance or efficiency of the dishwasher appliance is provided. Moreover, methods for detecting and preventing such flood events and leaks are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle Edward Durham
  • Patent number: 10440453
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic device and methods relating to the electronic device, an electronic device having a plurality of modes, a method of changing the mode of an electronic having a plurality of modes, and specifically but not exclusively to an electronic device for a gauge attached to a vessel, an electronic device for a gas meter, and a telemetric fitting for a gauge attached to a vessel, and a telemetric fitting for gas meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: SILICON CONTROLS PTY LTD.
    Inventors: John Richard Haddy, Michael Alexander St. Leger Neuman
  • Patent number: 10329039
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for filling a biowaste tank having an inner body with first and second ends. The first end receives biowaste and the second end directs the biowaste into a tank. The apparatus has an outer body with first and second ends. The first end receives overflow and the second end is flush with the second end of the inner body, and the outer body fully encompasses the inner body. The apparatus has a first pipe with an inlet configured to attach to the tank and an outlet in the inner body, and a second pipe with an inlet in the outer body, and an outlet in the tank, the pipe configured to direct overflow biowaste from the inner body into the tank through a second aperture in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Randy Kruse
  • Patent number: 9908768
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispenser having a dispenser well, a control for regulating a product dispensing operation, and an optical sensing system includes a camera within the dispenser well in communication with a controller for controlling the filling of a container within the dispenser well based on image data. The image data can used to detect at least one of a presence of a container in the dispenser well, a height of liquid within the container, a height of ice within the container and a shape of the container within the dispenser well, as well as to adjust a dispensing rate of product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Kevin M. Chase, Brian P. Janke, Shreecharan Kanchanavally
  • Patent number: 9835292
    Abstract: A natural gas filling system may include a nozzle, a container including an internal manifold, wherein the manifold may be connected to a natural gas supply line, a first line may be operably connected to the manifold, wherein natural gas may be supplied to the nozzle, and a vent, wherein the vent is a second line may be operably connected to the nozzle that may release natural gas into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Fueling and Service Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thompson William Wyper, Milton Daniel McGill
  • Patent number: 9733265
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for adjusting a position of an aspirator in a sample processing apparatus, the sample processing apparatus comprising the aspirator configured to aspirate a sample or a reagent from a container and a capacitance sensor connected to the aspirator to detect change in capacitance, the method comprising: moving the aspirator above a position adjustment part which is electrically conductive and which is disposed at a predetermined position; obtaining capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor while moving the aspirator; and setting reference position information indicating a reference position of the aspirator based on change in the obtained capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Okuyama, Shoichiro Asada, Tsukasa Hirata, Kazuki Asao
  • Patent number: 9677260
    Abstract: A flush toilet includes a valve apparatus for spouting and stopping water to a storage tank or a toilet main unit supplied from a water supply source, and includes a pressurizing pump, being a reversely rotatable pump including a suctioning portion connected to the storage tank, a rim-side discharge portion connected to the toilet main unit rim spouting portion, a jet-side discharge portion connected to the toilet main unit jet spouting portion, and an impeller; and when the impeller is rotating in one direction, the pressurizing pump spouts flush water in the storage tank to the rim-side discharge portion, whereas when the impeller rotates in the other direction, the pressurizing pump spouts flush water in the storage tank to the jet-side discharge portion, or spouts flush water in the storage tank to both the rim-side discharge portion and the jet-side discharge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Tsubasa Miyake, Jing Chen, Haruhiko Fukumoto, Nobuhiro Motohashi
  • Patent number: 9631966
    Abstract: A fill level monitoring system comprising at least one electrode for monitoring the fill level of a medium flowing in a pipe or tube, wherein the electrode has an integrated temperature sensor, wherein the fill level monitoring system further comprises an evaluation unit, which is embodied for monitoring the degree of filling of the pipe or tube and transmits a warning signal when the degree of filling subceeds a limit value, preferably a degree of filling of less than 80% of the tube diameter; and a flow measuring device having this fill level monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: ENDRESS + HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
    Inventors: Frank Voigt, Werner Wohlgemuth, Gunther Bahr
  • Patent number: 9487384
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a dispenser that includes an outlet and that is configured to dispense content through the outlet and along an output flow path. The refrigerator also includes a detection unit configured to detect user activity that is indicative of a desire to fill a container with content using the dispenser. The refrigerator further includes an optical system that is configured to, in response to detecting the user activity, direct a beam of light along at least a portion of the output flow path of the dispenser to assist a user in positioning a container to receive content dispensed along the output flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Jason Adam Denise
  • Patent number: 9395046
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods and systems of oxygen transfill that includes the step of delivering a quantity of liquid oxygen to an evaporation chamber in a liquid oxygen evaporation device. Next, at least a portion of the liquid oxygen in the evaporation chamber is evaporated and a quantity of gaseous oxygen is maintained at a predetermined pressure level in the evaporation chamber. The method includes filling a portable compressed oxygen device with at least a portion of the gaseous oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Gary Nathan Holder
  • Patent number: 9340298
    Abstract: A system ensures the correct type of fuel is dispensed in an aircraft while removing the introduction of human error in the refueling process. The system includes an RFID tag disposed at one or more aircraft that electronically stores data such as engine type, engine hours, fuel type, tail number, and pilot/subscriber data for the aircraft on which the RFID tag is disposed. An RFID reader is disposed at or near a fuel dispensing mechanism, such as a fuel truck or tank. A signal indicative of fuel type is emitted from the RFID tag to the RFID reader. RFID tags on aircraft that are enrolled in the system's subscription service enable aircraft to be recognized by a module operating the fuel dispensing mechanism. Based on a comparison performed by the module, authorization to begin fueling is either permitted or declined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: FliteLogix, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Lehmer Dunn, Jr., Chad James Unrau, Vernon Lee Tindell, Thomas Walter Hanke
  • Patent number: 9267523
    Abstract: An improved sensor assembly is provided that allows for close proximity detection of one or more objects by isolating a first sensor from a second sensor within the sensor assembly using isolation boots and a unique mounting structure. Each sensor has at least a portion positioned within an isolation boot, and the isolation boots are supported between a base plate and a support plate by one or more base plate ribs and one or more support plate ribs. The sensor is therefore prevented from otherwise contacting the base plate or the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Charles Crosby, William John Weigel
  • Patent number: 9062996
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for supplying a liquid and controlling its level inside of a container. In particular, the liquid inside of the container may be a liquid material suitable for use in a chemical vapor deposition process, wherein the liquid is controlled and supplied in a manner which minimizes the introduction of impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nakagawa, Takamitsu Shigemoto, Yoshio Uetake, Masahiro Kimoto, Tetsuro Shigeno, Masaaki Muro, Naoyuki Nakamoto
  • Publication number: 20150122371
    Abstract: In processes and systems utilizing a compressor to fill a vessel with gas, for example, in the filling of the fuel tank of a vehicle that operates on compressed natural gas (CNG), a number of advantages are realized by establishing independent control over the flow rate of gas discharged from the compressor, such as on the basis of the compressor discharge pressure, utilizing feedback from one or more gas pressure sensors. In representative embodiments, a detected or actual measured compressor discharge pressure can serve as a process variable, in a feedback control loop for regulating the output of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Edward A. Calvin, Wesley W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9022080
    Abstract: A communication device or auxiliary ECU is activated when a fuel door of a fuel cell vehicle is open. Upon closing the fuel door, the communication device/ECU is shut off. The communication device/auxiliary ECU is operational regardless of whether the keys in the vehicle or not. This assures that communication of information can occur when a refueling station is most likely to request the information, i.e. when the fuel door is open. A temperature measurement device may monitor a vehicle tank temperature, communicate the tank temperature data to a filling station, and confirm that the tank temperature data is associated with the tank being filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: David W. Cun, Ryan Douglas Roy Harty
  • Patent number: 9016329
    Abstract: A gas filling system (1) includes a gas tank (30); a gas filling device (2) that fills gas into the gas tank (30); and a controller (24) that calculates a temperature increase ?T and a pressure increase ?P in the gas tank (30) during a predetermined period of time (t seconds) that elapses from a start of gas filling. The controller (24) selects a filling rate map (Ma, Mb) from a prepared filling rate map group on the basis of the calculated temperature increase ?T and the calculated pressure increase ?P. The gas filling device (2) carries out gas filling using the filling rate map selected by the controller (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 9004115
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a detection device and a dispenser configured to dispense at least one of ice and a liquid. The detection device is configured to detect a container positioned with respect to the dispenser and generate a first signal representative of the container position. The dispensing system also includes a controller coupled to the detection device and the dispenser. The controller is configured to determine a stability of the container and activate the dispenser to dispense at least one of an amount of the ice and an amount of the liquid into the container based on the first signal and the determined stability of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Lorina June White
  • Patent number: 8997799
    Abstract: A method for filling a plurality of microdepressions in a major surface of a web with finely divided powder in which the web is fed continuously to and through a powder filling stage including a driven roller. At the powder filling stage, the powder, which is fed either onto the web upstream of the roller or to the roller of the powder filling stage, is filled into the microdepressions of the web using the driven roller, wherein said roller is rotating about an axis generally transverse to the direction of web, while the surface speed of the roller and the web speed are different and wherein the roller and web are positioned relative to one another, such that between the upper surface of the web and the outer surface of the roller there is a gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Adamis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Hodson, Matthew J. Wilby
  • Patent number: 8991445
    Abstract: A hydrogen filling system to fill a hydrogen fuel tank with hydrogen includes a high-pressure water electrolysis device capable of electrolyzing water to produce oxygen and the hydrogen. A hydrogen pipe connects the high-pressure water electrolysis device and a filling mechanism to fill the hydrogen fuel tank with the hydrogen. At least one hydrogen storage tank is provided to the hydrogen pipe to store the hydrogen produced by the high-pressure water electrolysis device at substantially a same pressure as a maximum filling pressure of the hydrogen fuel tank. A first valve mechanism is arranged downstream of the at least one hydrogen storage tank. A bypass pipe is provided to the hydrogen pipe and connects the high-pressure water electrolysis device and the filling mechanism to bypass the at least one hydrogen storage tank and the first valve mechanism. A second valve mechanism is arranged on the bypass pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Nakazawa, Masanori Okabe, Jun Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8991447
    Abstract: A fueling system including a ship or air deployable automated fueling station and one or more sea surface water vessels. The fueling station including a ballast arrangement to maintain an optimal freeboard for fueling the one or more water vessels, the fueling station and the one or more water vessels including a communication arrangement for communications between the fueling station and the one or more water vessels. The fueling station including a plurality of nozzles for simultaneously fueling a plurality of water vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Scott M. Petersen
  • Patent number: 8985164
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling flow of a flowable material. The flowable material passes from a product supply through one or more valves which are coupled to a controller. The controller is also coupled to one or more sensors operable to generate a signal indicating whether flowable product is present or not present at a specific level within a container. The controller is programmed to operate the valves based on signals received from the sensors. The sensors may be associated with the feed container and used to control metering of flowable product out of the feed container, or they may be associated with a container and used to control filling of the container with flowable product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caneel Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Jonathan Seeman, Dewey Privette, Donna Elizabeth Seeman
  • Patent number: 8973623
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: a fuel tank into which gas is filled from a gas station that has a receiver; a transmitter; and a control device connected to the transmitter. The control device changes a transmission cycle of a signal transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver during the gas filling from the gas station into the fuel tank, according to a state quantity regarding an interior of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Mori
  • Publication number: 20150047738
    Abstract: Processes and systems are described, which provide important advantages in filling gas storage vessels, such as gas cylinders for the transport of compressed natural gas (CNG). For example, the flow of gas from the fill station may be terminated safely, using an auto-fill shut-off mechanism, without the risk of exceeding vessel pressure ratings and overall reduced risk of operator error. The automatic termination of flow can occur at a preselected pressure that may, for example, be set at a fixed value, or may otherwise be adjusted based on the local temperature at the time of the fill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Wesley W. Wilson, David A. Diggins
  • Publication number: 20150047739
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the start pressure within a gas tank (4) to be refueled, said method comprising the steps of connecting the gas tank (4) to a dispenser volume (3) of a dispenser unit (3, 5-7, 10, 11), which volume (3) is significantly smaller than the volume of the gas tank (4) to be refueled, applying a pressure to the gas in the dispenser volume (3), which pressure is equal to or higher than the pressure within the gas tank (4), so that gas start to flow from the dispenser volume (3) into the gas tank (4) through a check valve (9), which is a part of the gas tank (4), and determining the start pressure by measuring the pressure at the interface (8) between the dispenser unit (3, 5-7, 10, 11) and the gas tank (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: H2 Logic A/S
    Inventors: Morten Wistoft-Ibsen, Leif Kappel Petersen, Peter Bodker
  • Patent number: 8955559
    Abstract: Fuel vapor is prevented from leaking to the outside during refueling, and even when an air space is formed in an upper portion of a fuel filler pipe, a diagnosis of leakage of fuel vapor can be performed with good accuracy. During refueling, fuel vapor is guided from a fuel tank 1 to a canister 3, and is absorbed by the canister 3. A change in the internal pressure of a fuel vapor path including the fuel tank 1, a fuel vapor pipe 4, and the canister 3 is detected by a pressure sensor 8, thereby performing a diagnosis of leakage of fuel vapor. An upper space 16 in the fuel tank 1 and an upper space 17 in a fuel filler pipe 2 communicate with each other through an airflow resistance pipe 12, and in order to restrict flow of fuel vapor from the fuel tank 1 through the airflow resistance pipe 12 into the fuel filler pipe 2 during refueling, the airflow resistance pipe 12 includes an orifice 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Keylex Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Hatakeyama, Toshiaki Miyagawa, Osamu Fujiyama
  • Patent number: 8955561
    Abstract: A refilling system for use in refilling a container with a fluid from a fluid source. The container having an air space above a fluid space. The fluid having a fluid level within the container. The refilling system comprising: a pilot-operated fluid flow control valve fluidly connected with a fluid level sensor via a pressure line and a bleed line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: SpillX LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Mitrovich, Matt Molz, Matt Campbell
  • Patent number: 8950446
    Abstract: An electric generator set fuel control system is disclosed. The fuel control system includes an electric generator, a prime mover mechanically coupled to the generator, a first fuel tank, a fuel level sensor configured to generate a fuel level signal indicative of a fuel level in the first fuel tank, a fuel loading operator input device configured to generate a fuel loading signal, a fueling mode operator input device configured to generate a fueling mode signal, and a control module. The first fuel tank is configured to supply fuel to the prime mover, and selectively receive or supply fuel to a second fuel tank through a fuel pump. The control module is configured to generate a fuel transfer signal as a function of the fuel loading signal, the fueling mode signal, and the fuel level signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Folken, Joydip Chakravarty, Edward M. Schroeder, Andrew W. Black, Nelson Slaughter
  • Patent number: 8944117
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for dispensing a liquid to fill a container (4) up to a predetermined liquid level. The invention also refers to a dispenser capable of achieving such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Cristina Bertoni, Andrei Uhov, Elvio Zanon
  • Patent number: 8944119
    Abstract: A method and system of gas refilling management for gas storage canister utilizing identification accessing control includes an identification information transmission device, a control device, and a gas refilling equipment, which are applicable for management of refilling of at least one storage canister. The storage canister is provided with an information identification label, which contains at least one record of canister information. By using the identification information transmission device to first read the information contained in the label of a storage canister, the control device may then set a refilling condition based on which the gas refilling equipment carries out a refilling operation to the storage canister, so as to suit for management of refilling various types of gas storage canisters to provide the best performance in a practical application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Jefferson Ys Yang, Feng-Hsiang Hsiao, Hong-Shi Chang, Chih-Hsueh Chen
  • Patent number: 8941481
    Abstract: A method for assisting in maintenance of a motor vehicle having a drive motor, an drive energy storage device, and a filling level measuring device. A request for a maintenance process is identified by a self-monitoring device with the maintenance request being transmitted as a maintenance indication to a driver by an information device. The maintenance indication is transmitted to the driver as a function of a switch-off filling level present when the vehicle drive motor is switched off and detected by the filling level measuring device. The maintenance indication is transmitted when the switch-off filling level is lower than a preset filling level threshold value or when a filling level difference between a switch-on filling level, present when the vehicle drive motor is subsequently switched on again and detected by the filling level measuring device, and the preceding switch-off filling level indicates a positive filling level value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Joris Fokkelman, Martin Böld
  • Patent number: 8925594
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a structure for a portable tire inflator that includes a triangular housing comprising a triangular face, a triangular back, two sides extending between the triangular face and the triangular back on first and second sides of the triangular face and back, and a support base on a third side of the triangular face and back extending between the triangular face and the triangular back, a pump motor within the housing. The inflator may be configured such that a majority of the total weight of the portable tire inflator is positioned between the middle of the triangular face and the base. The tire inflator may also include a reflective border on at least two of three edges of the triangular face and an air pressure indicator responsive to air pressure within the air hose, the air pressure indicator visible on an external surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Ohm, C. Kwai Kong, Alan Okamura
  • Publication number: 20140373968
    Abstract: A filling device is described which is configured to control the process of filling a medical or therapeutic fluid from a supply container containing the medical or therapeutic fluid into an administration container that is in fluid connection with the supply container. The filling device includes a volume control system configured to control the volume of the administration container and a pressure detection system configured to detect a pressure value related to the pressure inside the supply container. The filling device is further configured to perform the process steps of filling the administration container by: directing the volume control system to decrease the volume of the administration container, directing the pressure detection system to detect a pressure value, and directing the volume control system to increase the volume of the administration container if an increase criterion depending on the pressure value is fulfilled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Marcel Mueller
  • Patent number: 8910675
    Abstract: A method for venting of a liquid tank with a valve, a primary compartment and a secondary compartment which are connected together via a bridge. The valve includes a chamber provided with a cover, which extends at least partly into the tank and is connected via an upper venting aperture to a venting circuit. A first device monitors a level of liquid in the primary compartment. A second device monitors a level of liquid in the secondary compartment. The valve configured to be closed when the first device detects that the level of liquid in the primary compartment is equal to or higher than a first predetermined filling level, and the second device detects that the level of liquid in the secondary compartment is equal to or higher than a second predetermined filling level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Philippe Coulon, Sebastien Jouie, Remi Thebault, Pierre Lacome, David Hill, Joseph Douglas Chiasson
  • Patent number: 8910674
    Abstract: Methods and systems directed to dispensing fluids, such as beverages, using wireless technology are provided. Aspects relate to a container, such as a beverage cup, having a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals to a second wireless transceiver associated with a dispenser. The wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit electronic signals indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether it is properly located to receive the beverage from a valve of the dispenser. Further aspects of the invention relate to a beverage dispensing system having a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the dispenser is configured to receive a return signal from a container indicative that the container is validated to receive a beverage and whether the container is properly located to receive a beverage from a valve of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Segiet, Alex L. Gray, Fernando A. Ubidia, Aaron M. Stein, John F. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20140360624
    Abstract: A filler element for filling containers with liquid includes a housing, a housing opening area, a protective space, a channel formed therein, a liquid valve in the channel, a dispensing opening downstream from the valve, and a fill-level-determining element comprising first and second ends. The fill-level-determining element is routed through the housing and extends by the first end into the dispensing opening during filling and is routed out of the housing by the second end at a housing opening area in a sealed manner with a protective space directly adjacent to it. The protective space holds a length of the fill-level-determining element that corresponds to an axial adjustment lift. The protective space opens by an axial opening lift of the fill-level-determining element that differs from its axial adjustment lift. The protective space opens by the axial opening lift of the fill-level-determining element into a space formed in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: HKS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clusserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Publication number: 20140356499
    Abstract: A new and improved waste oil management system is described herein which includes an automated data management system, allowing users to track usage and collection volumes, and other useful data, to help reduce oil use, lower costs and increase profits. The waste oil management system includes an oil monitoring device or integrated control panel linked to one or more computers, more fully described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Frontline International, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Palazzo, Giovanni Brienza, Ryan M. Mullen
  • Patent number: 8899279
    Abstract: This present invention relates to a preparation of gaseous fuel (natural gas for example) for its further transfer under pressure to fuel tank of a vehicle 22. This object is achieved by a method for compressing gas by alternate transfer of gas into two vertically arranged compressing vessels 1 and 2, its compression and forcing into high-pressure vessels by filling the compressing vessels 1 and 2 with working fluid 30 under pressure by means of a hydraulic drive 5. A novelty of this method lies in that, each cycle of gas 29 compressing and its forcing out of the compressing vessels 1 and 2 is performed until these vessels are fully filled with the working fluid 30 contained in the compressing vessels 1 and 2 and alternately forced out of one compressing vessel into the other in response to a signal sent by fluid-level sensor 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hygen Sia
    Inventor: Aleksejs Safronovs