Level Or Pressure In Receiver Patents (Class 141/95)
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Patent number: 8899280Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing beverages are provided. Aspects relate to providing audio and/or visual feedback to users during the dispensing of a selected beverage. Audio and video files are stored electronically within the dispenser. In response to the selection of a beverage, audio and video files corresponding to the beverage are selected and presented to a user during the dispensing of the beverage. The sound file may correspond to the type of beverage being dispensed and the video may show a fill state of a beverage container.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.Inventors: Indrani Deo, Steven Jersey
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Patent number: 8887772Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel injection apparatus for injecting fuel into a fuel cartridge. The fuel injection apparatus may include, for example, a container for fuel storage, a fuel supply pipe in fluid communication with the container, a first valve installed on the fuel supply pipe, a pump installed on the fuel supply pipe, a pressure gauge installed on the fuel supply pipe, and a bypass pipe fluidly connecting the container with the fuel supply pipe. A second valve may be installed on the bypass pipe. Methods for injecting fuel into a fuel cartridge are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young-Seung Na, Jung-Kurn Park, Hye-Jung Cho
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Patent number: 8887775Abstract: A system, for preventing overflow in a tank, fillable via a nozzle, includes a fill passage connecting the storage tank to an external atmosphere. An adjacent passage has a lower end disposed at a predetermined level within the storage tank and an upper end communicating with a hole in the fill passage. A vent passage connects the adjacent passage to the external atmosphere, and a valve is disposed in the vent passage, permitting the flow of air through the vent passage and prohibiting the flow of liquid through the vent passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Ameri-Kart Corp.Inventor: Steve Burkholder
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Patent number: 8875752Abstract: A device for filling containers with a liquid by supplying the liquid at a predetermined rate of flow, the rate of flow being predetermined as a function of one or more parameter value(s) measured in parallel and in combination with rate values of at least one prior filling operation associated with the parameter values includes a sensor for measuring a parameter value at a fill point, an adjustable valve for presetting the rate of flow, and a control unit that adjusts the valve in accordance with the parameter value, the control unit having a memory in which are stored rate values of a prior fill operation associated with the parameter values, and that predetermines the current rate of flow in combination with the parameter values by making corresponding adjustments of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Alois Monzel
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Patent number: 8867031Abstract: An anesthetic vaporizer system is disclosed herein. The anesthetic vaporizer system may include a sump adapted to retain an anesthetic agent. The anesthetic vaporizer system may also include a level sensor disposed at least partially within the sump. The level sensor is configured to generate an optical beam, and to estimate the amount of anesthetic agent within the sump based on a measured characteristic of the optical beam.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Eric Jones, Kenneth J. Kuehl
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Patent number: 8839829Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a natural gas compression system, comprising a gas inlet component for the entrance of natural gas into the system, a booster component for increasing the pressure of the natural gas, a drying component for drying the natural gas, a compressor component including a reciprocating compressor for further increasing the pressure of the natural gas, a valve control panel and storage component, and a dispensing component.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Clean Energy Fuels Corp.Inventors: Denis Ding, Mitchell Pratt
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Patent number: 8839474Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for a user to adjust a pressure in an inflatable device. The method includes acts of adjusting the pressure in the inflatable device with a control device to a pressure preferred by the user, where the pressure preferred by the user has a first value, and establishing a first setting corresponding to the pressure preferred by the user with the control device, and automatically establishing a second setting corresponding to a second pressure having a second value once the first setting is established, where the second value differs from the first value by a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
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Publication number: 20140261867Abstract: A method is provided for verifying integrity of a recirculation valve in a recirculation line of an LNG dispenser. The method includes: closing the recirculation valve and a fill valve in a supply line that supplies LNG; monitoring a mass of the LNG flowing through the recirculation line to ensure that the mass flowing therethrough is less than an acceptable threshold; and aborting any pending sales if the mass of the LNG flowing therethrough is not less than the acceptable threshold. According to another embodiment, a method is provided for verifying integrity of a vent valve in an LNG dispenser. The method includes: closing the vent valve and opening a fill valve in a supply line that supplies LNG; monitoring the pressure of the LNG within the fill hose to ensure that the pressure remains steady; and aborting any pending sales if the pressure does not remain steady.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: BPC Acquisition CompanyInventors: Sarah Ann Lambrix, Chad Robert Paffhausen, Adam Kenneth Simon, Jonathan M. Rathbun
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Patent number: 8833406Abstract: An ice supply system delivers a product to a product engagement device having at least one product engagement jaw, and a discharge tube. An engaged product is delivered at an outlet of the tube. The ice supply system includes a sensor disposed in communication with a product stream to detect the product at a sensor elevation, and communicate the presence of product to a controller. The ice supply system further includes a product receptacle for receiving the engaged product. The product receptacle may be mobile or have an elevation adjustment, thereby providing the ability to create a product pile of a predetermined height beneath the discharge tube. In this configuration, the controller ceases the flow of product when the pile height reaches the sensor disposed in the discharge tube. Alternatively, the ice supply system includes a diverter to toggle between first and second flowpaths, thereby delivering engaged and non-engaged product.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Ice Link, LLCInventors: J. Eric Berge, Brandon Berge, Mark McClure, Glenn Seamark
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Patent number: 8836496Abstract: A system includes a processor and an external fuel indicator. The processor is configured to instruct powering of a digital display in response to detection that one or more power-up indicators has been satisfied. The processor is also configured to obtain fuel-related readings as a vehicle is fueled. Also, the processor is further configured to determine at least one fuel-related statistic other than a current fuel level. Further, the processor is configured to output the at least one fuel-related statistic to the external fuel indicator.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory P. Brown, Brian Thomas Aitken
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Patent number: 8827969Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Martini, Lawrence Guerra
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Patent number: 8826947Abstract: A valve device used by being attached to a fuel tank includes a case provided with an airflow valve opening which communicates with the outside of the tank, on an upper portion, and also provided with a fuel inflow section located on a lower side of the airflow valve opening, and a float body housed in the case so as to be vertically movable, and also seated in the airflow valve opening by being elevated by the fuel flowed into the case through the inflow section. In the case, an airflow section which interconnects the inside of the tank and the inside of the case is formed in a higher side than a waterline of the float body at the seating time, and also at the seating time, this airflow section is restricted.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventors: Takatsugu Hirose, Itsuo Honda, Motoharu Takai, Shinzo Watanabe
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Patent number: 8805592Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for fluid identification and tracking. At least one embodiment of a method includes determining that a vehicle is discharging a fluid, determining an ingredient of the fluid, and determining a first vehicle location. Some embodiments include determining, based on the ingredient, whether discharge of the fluid at the first vehicle location is allowable and in response to determining that discharge of the fluid at the first vehicle location is not allowable, performing, by a computing device, a first preventative measure.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Cascades Coal Sales, Inc.Inventors: Donald W Booth, Tony Anderson
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Publication number: 20140216603Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventor: Laurie J. Brown
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Publication number: 20140209204Abstract: A filling method is provided. The filling method has a filling step in which a valve at the tip of a vertically movable nozzle of a filling device is disposed within a container and a liquid containing at least either or both of cells of a microorganism and a substance treated thereby transferred from a storage tank is sprayed from the valve. In the filling step, either or both of an initial flow rate for filling and a later stage flow rate for filling are less than the maximum flow rate. In addition, the initial filling stage in this filling step, the valve at the tip of the movable nozzle is disposed in the proximity of the bottom surface of the container, and thereafter, the movable nozzle is made to rise according to the filling conditions for the liquid in the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: MITSUBISHI RAYON CO., LTD.Inventor: Takafumi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 8789564Abstract: This asphalt loading arm is for dispensing fluids from a storage tank to a receiving tank. The loading arm includes an overfill probe to prevent overfilling during transfer from one tank in loading lanes at asphalt terminals. The overfill probe is a rapid temperature response probe. The rapid response temperature probe that has a very fast response time. Placing a transmitter on the probe uniquely allows a PLC to collect data from the probe.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Marathon Petroleum Company LPInventors: Thomas Jividen, R. Benjamin Hill, Kenneth Stiens
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Publication number: 20140202591Abstract: A device for filling a receptacle with a beverage and a user interface for allowing a user to select a desired level of fill of beverage in the receptacle. The interface includes a mechanism for detecting an object below the outlet, such that the receptacle can be filled with the beverage up to the user selected level of fill, wherein the detection mechanism is arranged to detect a position of a human finger or a hand-held freely movable pointing instrument, which human finger or pointing instrument is adjacent to and pointing towards a side of the receptacle, so that the level of fill of the receptacle is determined from the detected position of the finger or pointing instrument the user-selected level of fill and the beverage is dispensed to fill the receptacle up to that level. The device is useful in coffee or other beverage dispensing machines.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: NESTEC S.A.Inventor: Frank Schnyder
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Publication number: 20140202590Abstract: A container having openings on an inside surface, in which the openings are for use with a vacuum pump for retaining a liner within the container while the contents of the container are being dispensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2014Inventor: Adrian Higgins
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Patent number: 8783306Abstract: A device for delivering liquids and in particular beverages, comprising a feed line, which is flow-connected to a dispensing chamber for the liquid and which delivers the liquid to the dispensing chamber, a first discharge line, which is flow-connected to the dispensing chamber and which drains the liquid from the dispensing chamber, and a second discharge line, which is flow-connected to the dispensing chamber and which drains the liquid from the dispensing chamber. A valve body is arranged in the dispensing chamber, the valve body comprising a magnetizable material and being moveable in relation to the dispensing chamber, and the valve body being suited to at least partially closing at least one discharge line, and a magnetic element for moving the valve body being provided outside the dispensing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Wolfgang Roidl, Stefan Poeschl
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Patent number: 8783307Abstract: The present invention provides a CNG time fill system having a compression system including a gas dryer and one or more gas compressors, a gas storage system for storing the natural gas, a manifold time fill system for filling a plurality of natural gas vehicles with the natural gas, a pressure transducer or pressure transmitter for detecting the pressure within the manifold time fill system, and an automatic shut off valve for selectively stopping the flow of gas into the manifold time fill system.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Clean Energy Fuels Corp.Inventor: Denis Ding
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Publication number: 20140190591Abstract: The over-fill monitoring system monitors the liquid level of a container as its being filled and visually indicates that the fill process should be stopped, thereby reducing the chance of over-filling and overflow spills. The over-fill monitoring system includes a fuel probe, a visual “fill limit” indicator, and an electronic control unit. The control unit is responsive to the fuel probe and activates the “fill limit” indicator during the fueling process when the fuel level within the tank reaches a predetermined “fuel fill” level. The control circuitry of the control unit also includes a “shut-down” timer, which deactivates the indicator light after a set period of time to prevent the control unit from drawing power from the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventor: Marty Robert Scott
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Patent number: 8763956Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for refueling an aircraft, including a pipe (40) provided with means (42) for connecting onto an intake port (301) of the fuel tank of the aircraft (400) and, at or in the vicinity of the connection means (42), means (501) for determining the value of at least one parameter representative of a flow (E) of fuel passing through the connection means. Said equipment further includes at least one receiver onboard the refueling equipment (1), means (503, 504) for transmitting, to the receiver, a signal (Si(P)) representative of a parameter value predetermined by determination means (501) and an electronic unit capable of receiving, from the receiver, a signal representative of the parameter and of driving at least one flow control and monitoring device in accordance with the signal received from the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: DesautelInventor: Claude Beck
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Patent number: 8757223Abstract: A hydrogen filling apparatus fills a hydrogen tank, for example, mounted on a fuel cell vehicle with hydrogen stored in a hydrogen storage tank. After the hydrogen tank has started to be filled with hydrogen in a hydrogen filling process, the hydrogen filling process is stopped for a predetermined time, and a temperature and a pressure in the hydrogen tank are detected while the hydrogen filling process is being stopped. Thereafter, a time needed to fill the hydrogen tank with a predetermined amount of hydrogen is calculated based on detected values of the temperature and the pressure, and the calculated time is displayed on a display unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takuro Uemura
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Patent number: 8757222Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Arthur G. Rudick, Louis Mattos, Jr., Nilton Antonio Moreira Mattos, Qiuchen Peter Zhang, H. Brock Kolls
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Patent number: 8757218Abstract: A tire inflation system comprising a tire inflation apparatus having an inflation head, a pressurized gas source, and a controller, with the inflation head being positioned at a tire and wheel assembly inflation location at which a tire and wheel assembly is received to inflate the tire and wheel assembly. The tire and wheel assembly includes a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) valve stem that detects and transmits inflation pressure data of the tire and wheel assembly. The inflation head defines a tire inflation cavity that seals with the tire of the tire and wheel assembly when engaged with the inflation head. Pressurized gas is delivered from the pressurized gas source through an outlet in the tire inflation cavity for inflation of the tire and wheel assembly. The controller receives inflation pressure data from the TPM valve stem and controls operation of the tire inflation apparatus in response thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Burke E. Porter Machinery CompanyInventors: Mark S. Hoenke, Timothy J. Leep
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Patent number: 8752596Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Daigoro Mori, Kumiko Nishizawa, Kosei Yoshida, Keiji Toh, Shintaro Watanabe, Hidefumi Oishi, Hidehito Kubo
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Patent number: 8746296Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Joseph Anthony Tobbe, Jeffrey Martin Wood, Michael Thomas Chezem, Juan David Payares
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Patent number: 8740866Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: Stephen J. Reasoner, Chamara Gamhewage, Joseph P. Hepp, III
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Publication number: 20140137980Abstract: Method for detecting anomalies during the filling of a liquid metering device with a liquid to be measured out, said metering device comprising at least one suction member and at least one pressure monitoring means arranged for measuring a pressure in relation to said suction member. The detection method comprises steps consisting of: performing a prior pressure calibration of the filling of the device, calculating for a desired volume a tolerance range having an upper limit and a lower limit on the basis of the prior pressure calibration and checking whether the pressure remains within the tolerance range during the filling of the metering device with the liquid to be measured out.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Gilson SASInventor: Frédéric Millet
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Patent number: 8731725Abstract: A fluid overfill detection and control system for controlling the transfer of fluid into a transport vehicle having multiple fluid compartments includes a plurality of overfill sensors that are connected in series with one another and that each produces an output pulse when the fluid level in its associated compartment is below a threshold level. A diagnostic line connected to each of the overfill sensors provides a diagnostic signal indicative of the number of overfill sensors that generate an output pulse, while a module on the vehicle provides an indication of the total number of overfill sensors located in the vehicle. To prevent a hazard due to the possible bypass of a overfill sensor, the controller compares the overfill sensor count signal to the diagnostic signal and inhibits the transfer of fluid into the vehicle if the values do not match.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Scully Signal CompanyInventors: Robert R. Trottier, Kenneth L. Langlais
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Patent number: 8720494Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling bags with loose materials, wherein a package to be filled is filled by means of a filling element in a filling process. The filling process comprises a filling stage, a settling stage, and a discharge stage wherein during the filling stage, loose material is filled into the bag while admitting air and in the settling stage, a settling phase is provided for the pressure to drop and in the discharge stage, the bag is discharged from the filling element. In the settling phase, the squeezing device applies a squeezing pressure to the package so as to vent the package and to reduce the volume available to the package, until a predetermined reduction of the volume available to the package is reached, whereupon the squeezing pressure of the squeezing device on the package is reduced and the package is discharged from the filling element.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Haver & Boecker OHGInventor: Alois Combrink
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Patent number: 8714210Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Kevin M. Chase, Brian P. Janke, Shreecharan Kanchanavally, Ronald L. Voglewede
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Publication number: 20140116569Abstract: A fill system is configured to supply particulate adhesive such as pellets to an adhesive dispensing system and is configured to provide a visual indication when a supply container approaches an empty condition. The fill system includes the supply container, which has an interior space for holding pellets, and an indicator device that emits a visual indication by actuating a light source communicating with the interior space. As a result, when the level of pellets within the interior space drops to a threshold approaching the empty condition, the light energy emitted by the indicator device is visible outside the supply container. The fill system may then be refilled before the completely empty condition is reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Justin A. Clark, Peter W. Estelle
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Patent number: 8708005Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomoyuki Mori
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Patent number: 8701719Abstract: A method for filling containers with liquid. Liquid is provided from a reservoir and at least two filling positions, of a filling position group, are each configured to fill a container with liquid at a filling rate. With a common flow meter, a total volume of liquid flowing into the containers at the filling positions of the filling position group is measured during a filling phase. A liquid control valve of each of the filling positions is opened and closed in response to: a measurement signal provided by the flow meter; and at least one of (a) and (b) where: (a) is a time correction compensating for filling rates being different for the filling positions; and (b) is at least one throttle influencing the filling rates. The containers at the filling positions are filled such that each of the containers contains a required volume of liquid at the end of the filling phase.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
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Patent number: 8701721Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Caneel Associates, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Jonathan Seeman, Dewey Privette, Donna Elizabeth Seeman
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Patent number: 8695646Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Sensotech Inc.Inventors: Uri Agam, Pino Marcovecchio, Elad Wallach, Guy Mualem
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Publication number: 20140096863Abstract: A container-handling apparatus includes a filling machine for filling containers, a filling-level-monitoring control unit downstream of the filling machine, a first container-detection element configured to scan and relay at least a partial contour of a relevant container as inspection data, and a control-and-regulating device configured to receive inspection data about containers. The first container-detection element is separated from and upstream of the filling-level-monitoring control unit. The filling-level-monitoring control unit inspects a container and passes inspection data about the container to the control-and-regulating device. The first container-detection element inspects the container independently of the filling-level-monitoring control unit and passes inspection data about the container to the control-and-regulating device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: KHS GmbHInventors: Jürgen Herrmann, Wolfgang Schom, Marius Michael Herrmann, Raik Rose
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Patent number: 8684044Abstract: A supply facility is configured to charge fluid to a tank of a movable object. A charging profile storage unit is provided to the movable object to store a charging profile specifying a charging pressure of fluid in each elapsed time point from a beginning of fluid charge. A charging profile transmission unit is provided to the movable object to transmit the charging profile to the supply facility. A charging profile reception unit is provided to the supply facility to receive a charging profile transmitted from the charging profile transmission unit. A charging pressure control unit is provided to the supply facility to control charging pressure of fluid according to the charging profile when fluid is charged to a movable object, which corresponds to the charging profile.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Takashi Saiki, Ryusuke Ishikawa, Makoto Kawatsu
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Publication number: 20140083556Abstract: A system and method for transferring agricultural material from a transferring vehicle to a storage portion of a receiving vehicle, and detecting and filling void areas of the agricultural material is disclosed. A transferring vehicle having a spout transfers agricultural material to a storage portion of a receiving vehicle. An imaging device associated with the transferring vehicle and facing towards the storage portion of the receiving vehicle collects imaging data. An image processing module is operable to, based on the imaging data, estimate fill levels of agricultural material within the storage portion; identify an area of the storage portion as targeted to fill; and identify a first void within the targeted area. A controller in communication with the image processing module is configured to command the spout to a position to direct agricultural material to the first void.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicants: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc., Deere & CompanyInventors: Matthew J. Darr, Robert McNaull, John Kruckeberg, Zachary T. Bonefas
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Patent number: 8678050Abstract: An overflow protection system for an oil tank trailer which automatically monitors and controls the level of oil within said trailer. The system comprises a float sensor, a cable assembly, a shutoff valve, a temperature sensor, and a control box. The float sensor comprises an inductive float sensor which monitors the level on the tank gauge of an existing trailer body, which provides electrical signals via the cable assembly. The cable assembly provides electronic connection between the float sensor, valve, temperature sensor, and control box. The shutoff valve is closed when the float sensor is triggered, preventing flow into and out of the tank in order to eliminate overflow spillage. The control box includes a plurality of manual user controls for operating the system as well as information displays including interior temperature and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Advanced Spill Protection SystemInventors: Glyn Dobson, Mathew Jones
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Patent number: 8671998Abstract: An apparatus for testing an aircraft tank system includes a fuel supply device including a fuel reservoir, a fuel supply line for supplying fuel from the fuel reservoir to a fuel outlet of the fuel supply device, and a first isolation valve disposed in the fuel supply line. A fuel transfer line transfers fuel from the fuel outlet of the fuel supply device to the aircraft tank system and a second isolation valve is disposed in the fuel transfer line. An electronic control unit (ECU) of the apparatus is adapted to control the first isolation valve and the second isolation valve so as to interrupt the supply of fuel through the fuel supply line and the transfer of fuel through the fuel transfer line, respectively, in response to a test parameter signal provided to the electronic control unit (ECU).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventor: Jürgen Lohmann
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Patent number: 8671978Abstract: A refueling device (1) for refueling a fuel tank (2) of an internal combustion engine (3) in a motor vehicle (4) has a filler connector (5) for feeding fuel to the fuel tank (2). An integrated fuel feed device (10) feeds the fuel from the filler connector (5) to the fuel tank (2).Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Fritz, Josef Oesterle, Horst Petri
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Publication number: 20140060694Abstract: What is provided is a portable air hose device for transferring air between tires of a vehicle. It has a locking end for attaching to a tire into which air is to be added, a coiled hose, and an end for attaching to the valve of another tire, from which air is to be transferred away. The attaching end may be locking or non-locking. The hose may be a coiled hose or in some examples it may be a straight air hose. The volume of air transferred may be regulated by the user, and some examples may have a pressure gauge to measure air flow transfer. A user may attach the device between two tires to transfer air tire to tire. The device may be used to add air to flat tires and/or low tires, and/or to equalize air pressure in the tires of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventor: Richard Heydenberk
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Patent number: 8662114Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Rupert Meinzinger
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Patent number: 8663180Abstract: An irrigation system comprising: a reservoir with an inlet for pouring liquid into the reservoir, the inlet defining a closing element for closing the inlet; an insertion member defining an insertion end for insertion into a body cavity a human being, the insertion member defining at least one opening; and a liquid tube fluidly connecting the reservoir and having with the insertion member. At least one of reservoir and the insertion member is permanently fastened to the liquid tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Coloplast A/SInventors: Allan Tanghoej, Marlene Corydon Sinvani, Jesper Grøndahl Lund, Lars Olav Schertiger
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Patent number: 8656693Abstract: A filling degree gauge for measuring and displaying a residual filling potential of a target area, such as a container, being filled through a target, such as an open top, with goods by a goods carrier, such as a discharge spout, of an agricultural vehicle, such as a harvester, has a 3D sensor for observing at least a part of the target area including at least a part of the target, a data control system and a visual display unit. The data control system operates to provide on the visual display unit a visual display indicating residual filling potential by indicating the current one of at least three different levels of residual filling potential.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: CLAAS Agrosystems KGaA mbH & Co. KGInventors: Tommy Ertbolle Madsen, Morten Rufus Blas, Kristian Kirk
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Patent number: 8656938Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ralph Hobmeyr, Jurgen Thyroff
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Patent number: 8646494Abstract: A liquid dispensing and blending technique is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cover assembly unit including a mounting rack with a plurality of level indicators, a measuring vessel, for storing a liquid for dispensing, including an opening at top to be covered with the cover assembly unit, and an overflow port on a sidewall to drain an excess amount of the liquid so that a liquid surface in the measuring vessel is defined; and a dip tube attached to the mounting rack having an intake opening to remove a specific amount of the liquid from the measuring vessel, an exit end to lead the amount of the liquid to a mixing container, wherein the specific amount of the liquid is determined from the level indicators.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Chemflow Systems, Inc.Inventor: Leon Han
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Patent number: 8647315Abstract: A medical canister connector is presented for connecting to a medical canister, which has a patient port and a reduced-pressure port. The medical canister connector includes a first connection member that is coupled to a patient-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a patient port on a medical canister and has a patient-port opening with a first longitudinal axis. The medical canister connector also includes a second connection member coupled to a reduced-pressure-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a reduced-pressure port on the medical canister and has a reduced-pressure-port opening with a second longitudinal axis. A spacing member or pressure transport member may be used to couple the first connection member to the second connection member. The spacing member or transport member flexes and twists during connection. The medical canister connector may also help organize one or more pressure-sensing conduits. Methods are also presented.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.Inventors: Tyler Simmons, Alexander Sammons, Kenneth Knowles