Level Or Pressure In Receiver Patents (Class 141/95)
  • Publication number: 20120325366
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Burke E. Porter Machinery Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Hoenke, Timothy J. Leep
  • Patent number: 8336582
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a method for preparing a hair dye mixture. The method includes a scale and control system in communication with each other. The control system provides for a memory and a display, wherein the memory contains a formula defining instructions for blending a hair dye mixture. The method displays the instructions on the display. The stylist may then view the display of instructions and then adds to a receptacle on the scale, colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) in accordance with the instructions by using hair color manufacturers' standardized packaging, such that non-standardized or specialized packaging of colorants and/or dye blending materials are not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Mitchell H. Saranow
  • Patent number: 8327892
    Abstract: A vaporizer filling system includes a filler assembly, a sump, and a valve. The valve controls fluid communication into the sump. A retaining device retains the valve in an open position. A delay is connected to the retaining device. The delay controls the operation of the retaining device in order to retain the valve in the open position until the delay detects a release condition. The delay then controls the retaining device to release the valve. A method of filling a vaporizer includes engaging a bottle of liquid anesthetic agent with a filler assembly. The bottle and the filler assembly are moved from a first position to a second position. The bottle and filling assembly are locked in the second position with a retaining device. Then the retaining device is released and the bottle and filler assembly are returned to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ryan W. Rindy, Robert Q. Tham, John R. Pinkert
  • Patent number: 8322384
    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: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Kevin M. Chase, Brian P. Janke, Shreecharan Kanchanavally, Ronald L. Voglewede
  • Patent number: 8322571
    Abstract: Fluid supply systems for storage and dispensing of chemical reagents and compositions, e.g., high purity liquid reagents and chemical mechanical polishing compositions used to manufacture microelectronic device products, having capability for detection of an empty or near-empty condition when the contained liquid is at or approaching depletion during dispensing operation. Fluid delivery systems employing empty detect arrangements are described, including pressure transducer monitoring of dispensed material intermediate the supply package and a servo-hydraulic dispense pump, or monitoring of dispenser chamber replenishment times in a dispenser being replenished on a cyclic schedule to flow material from the dispenser to a downstream tool utilizing the dispensed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Minna Hovinen, John R. Kingery, Glenn M. Tom, Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Kirk Mikkelsen, Donald D. Ware, Peter C. Van Buskirk
  • Patent number: 8312901
    Abstract: An open-jet filling system, a method of filling containers by means of such an open-jet filling system used for contactless filling a container, and a corresponding filling machine, with the open-jet filling system provided with a filling level probe. For always obtaining the same filling height in the containers and for simultaneously realizing hygienic filling, a centering unit is arranged below the open-jet filling element in a vertically movable manner such that it can be moved onto a container mouth, the filling level probe being arranged on the centering unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Christian Goldbrunner
  • Patent number: 8302639
    Abstract: A portable blending system that blends cleaner burning additives such as ethanol with unblended gasoline. Its portability enables locating the system at a user's site thereby enabling fuel blending at selected locations. The portable blending system includes a modular platform having a skid base that includes at least two longitudinally extending channels sized to accommodate a fork lift truck's forks, at least one feedpipe releasably attached to a user's storage tank that stores a selected liquid component such as ethanol or biodiesel, a loading arm assembly for transferring the selected liquid component to a tanker truck that stores a second liquid component such as a base gasoline, and electrical means having at least one conduit that connects the blending system to an external power source. The blending system can also includes a programmable logic controller, a vapor recovery adapter and an overfill monitor and overfill alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Roy W. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 8297319
    Abstract: A method for pressurizing a substrate carrier including pressurizing a chamber that is of unitary construction with the carrier and/or a substrate cassette within the carrier and maintaining a pressure within the carrier by releasing gas from the chamber into the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Babbs, William Fosnight
  • Patent number: 8292857
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Martini, Lawrence Guerra
  • Patent number: 8291946
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for sensing a fuel level in a fuel tank for sensing an amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank mounted in a vehicle. The apparatus for sensing a fuel level according to the present invention senses a residual amount of fuel in a fuel tank by contacting a resistance substrate with a wiper, the apparatus including: a case that forms a sealable filling solution filling space and has a filling solution inlet formed on a top thereof; a stopper that blocks the filling solution inlet formed in the case to seal the filling solution filling space; and a filling solution that is filled in the filling solution filling space to perform an anti-rusting and lubricating function, wherein the resistance substrate and the wiper are disposed in the filling solution filling space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Coavis
    Inventors: JongKeun Lim, Youngchang Kim, Inseok Sohn, Kyuseob Shin, Joonseup Kim, Munsik Jeon
  • Patent number: 8286674
    Abstract: A gas filling apparatus for filling a gas into a storage apparatus for storing a semiconductor element or a reticle is provided. The gas filling apparatus is connected with an air feed source, which includes a base, a first inlet port and a set of air feed source route. The storage apparatus is loaded on the base, and the first inlet port which is disposed on the base corresponds with the second inlet port of the storage apparatus. The set of air feed source route includes an entrance part, a supply part and a branch part. The entrance part is connected with the air feed source, and the supply part is connected with the first inlet port. The branch part is a closed loop, which transmits the gas from the entrance part into the supply part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Gudeng Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Hung Wang, Ming-Long Chiu
  • Patent number: 8286670
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for filling pressurized gas tanks, characterized in that the filling process is interrupted when the input pressure reaches a maximum filling pressure, the maximum filling pressure in the cylinder being calculated to match the most serious of the two following conditions: nominal filling capacity or design temperature of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Faudou, Jean-Yves Lehman, Jaya-Sitra Pregassame
  • Patent number: 8281822
    Abstract: An in-vehicle hydrogen storage apparatus has a hydrogen gas filling passage connected from a hydrogen gas filling port up to the storage device that stores a hydrogen gas to be supplied to a fuel cell, and an odorizing agent supplying device that supplies an odorizing agent to hydrogen gas in at least one of the inside of the storage device and the inside of the hydrogen gas filling passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuji Hirakata
  • Publication number: 20120227864
    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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Mori
  • Publication number: 20120216910
    Abstract: There is disclosed a gas charging apparatus including a gas supply source 10; a fuel gas charging line L connected to the gas supply source 10, to charge a fuel gas into gas tanks, respectively; a temperature information acquiring section 48 which acquires temperature information in the gas tanks; a pressure information acquiring section 49 which acquires pressure information in the gas tanks; a relation data acquiring section 47 which acquires correspondence relation data indicating a correspondence relation between a temperature and a pressure in the corresponding gas tank, in a case where a beforehand acquired state of charge of the gas tank becomes a target state of charge; a temperature difference calculating section 52 which calculates, in accordance with the temperature information, a temperature difference between the gas tank having the highest internal temperature and the gas tank having the lowest internal temperature among the plurality of gas tanks; and a control section 55 which performs control
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Shusuke Inagi, Natsuru Miyazaki, Chihiro Uchimura, Akira Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8245735
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a dispenser having a dispenser well, a control for regulating a product dispensing operation, and a select fill sensor system for automatically initiating and terminating the dispensing operation. The sensor system includes a touch sensor mounted in the dispenser well and configured to sense the selection of a desired product level. A feedback array indicates the product level selected and tracks the product level within a container during the dispensing operation. The control automatically initiates a product dispensing operation based on the selection of a product level and the presence of the container in the dispenser well, and automatically terminates the dispensing operation when the product level in the container reaches the selected product level. In this manner, a hands-free dispenser is provided that can be utilized regardless of the shape or size of container utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Chase, Ronald L. Voglewede, Jonathan C. Valentine, Peter J. Richmond, Randell L. Jeffery, Martin P. Winik, Tony L. Koenigsknecht
  • Publication number: 20120205003
    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: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Eiji Okawachi, I
  • Patent number: 8220502
    Abstract: A pressure gauge may be coupled to a vessel into which a liquid chemical is to be dispensed. The volume of the vessel may be known and a control device may determine an initial pressure of the vessel using the pressure gauge. A volume of liquid chemical may be dispensed into the vessel which may cause the pressure within the vessel to increase to a second pressure. The control device may determine the second pressure using the pressure gauge may calculate the volume of liquid chemical dispensed into the vessel using the volume of the vessel, the initial pressure of the vessel, and the second pressure of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh Kelekar, Gaurav Verma, Kurt Weiner
  • Patent number: 8221366
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Integra LifeSciences Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Hoffman, Michael McDermott, William R. Chang, Eric Scott Clasen
  • Publication number: 20120175010
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for dispensing beverages. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises: at least one cup, the cup having a first indicia for denoting a first volume and a second indicia for denoting a second volume; a dispenser, the dispenser having a first fountain and a second fountain; an instruction, the instruction providing a first drink recipe for mixing a first beverage with a second beverage; wherein the first fountain dispenses the first beverage; wherein the second fountain dispenses the second beverage; and wherein a user fills the at least one cup with a first beverage to about the first indicia and a second beverage to about the second indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: MEAGAN ALAINE BEASLEY, VERONIQUE DENISE ZAYAS, FRANK GRAY, III
  • Patent number: 8215342
    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: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Societé BIC
    Inventors: Gerard Francis McLean, Joerg Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20120168031
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a structure for a hand-held tire inflator that includes a housing having a pump motor therein, a bottom surface, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, a cylindrical base between the top and bottom surface, and two arms extending laterally from the housing above the cylindrical base and below the top surface. A flexible light support may be coupled to a second arm of the two arms, the flexible light support having a light source on a distal end of the flexible light support. A pressure indicator may be positioned on the top surface, the pressure indicator responsive to air pressure within the air hose. A power switch may be disposed on the housing and electrically coupled to the light source and to the pump motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick L. Ohm, Alan Okamura
  • Patent number: 8201585
    Abstract: According to the present invention, even though the paint is filled or discharged repetitively to or from the paint bag (5), so that bursting of a coating bag (5) or lack of coating material during coating are not caused by accumulation of error between the filling amount and the using amount. That is, before a predetermined amount of the coating material is supplied to the coating material bag (5), the remaining coating material in the coating material bag (5) is extruded to empty it, since the coating material bag (5) is squashed by the pressure of fluid which was supplied to the hydraulic fluid chamber (6) outside of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: Trinity Industrial Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Nomura, Shigeyoshi Inada, Noriyuki Achiwa, Takanobu Mori, Kengo Honma, Akira Kato, Yasushi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8191586
    Abstract: A device and method for tire air pressure maintenance with a compressor. The device includes a manifold having an input from the compressor and an output, and wherein the output is in pressure communication with the tire and an air chuck for clamping onto the tires, wherein the air chuck is in pressure communication with the manifold. The device also comprises an air pressure sensor, operatively associated with the manifold, for monitoring changes of pressure within the manifold and generating a data signal. A processor, operatively associated with the manifold, for processing changes in pressure is included, and wherein the processor receives the data signal. The device further includes a bleeder line operatively attached to the manifold, and an actuator valve operatively associated with the bleeder line, and wherein the actuator valve is operatively attached to the processor, and wherein the processor is capable of generating a low pressure command signal to open the actuator valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Lydi, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Keith Huval, Kirk Ryan Landry
  • Patent number: 8167004
    Abstract: An automatic liquid dispenser is disclosed wherein a liquid adjustor is disposed to prevent liquid from splashing outside of a receptacle, thereby saving the automatic liquid dispenser from being polluted with splashed liquid. A receptacle and level detector emits ultrasound to the receptacle and detects the ultrasound reflected from the receptacle to generate a signal. A controller receives the signal from the receptacle and level detector to control the liquid adjusting unit, and an identifying mark at the receptacle accommodator facilitates the correct arranging of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Hyun Lee, Ju Hwan Yun, Dong Joo You, Jong Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8162011
    Abstract: An automated liquid dispensing system employs a mechanism which moves a container [1230] relative to a fill tube [1240] to fill the container [1230] with the proper amount of liquid [1131] with a designated amount of foam [1137]. The system [1000] also includes a container dispensing unit [1400] which pre-chills containers [1230] then flips them into a drop tube [1510] to be received by a lift [1550]. Lift [1550] raises the container [1230] to a pouring head [1570] and fills the container [1230] as it lowers container [1230] to properly fill the container [1230] and create a desired amount of foam [1137].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Corey Weems
  • Patent number: 8162009
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 8151833
    Abstract: An inspection machine for inspecting the volume of liquid contained by a bottle filed to its defined fill height. A head is lowered and has a sealing plate which seals the open finish of a bottle. A fill tube assembly is part of the head and continues to be lowered until a level sensor is located to sense liquid at a pre-fill level. High and low pressure water lines which are a part of the fill tube assembly are operated to fill the bottle to the pre-fill level. The sealing plate is released and then the process is repeated lowering the sensor to the post-fill level and operating only the low-pressure line to fill the bottle to the post-fill level. The total liquid filling the bottle is then computed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Emhart Glass S.A.
    Inventors: Alan E. Thomas, Michael C. Bagley, Philippe Spiteri
  • Patent number: 8146625
    Abstract: A method for preventing either the introduction of air into a liquid aspirated from a container through an aspiration line passing through a container cap, or the over-filling or non-filling of a container by a liquid dispensed through a dispensing line passing through a container cap. Such method comprises the steps of simultaneously detecting that (a) the container cap is properly positioned on and secured to a liquid container from which liquid is to be aspirated, or into which a liquid is to be dispensed, and (b) detecting that the level of liquid in the container is either above or below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Rongchang Xin, Eric M. Grace, William W. Li, Santos Vargas
  • Patent number: 8146624
    Abstract: A system for controlling the loading of animal food into self-propelled mixing units by means of a mechanical shovel. The system includes a testing apparatus, which is mounted to the shovel to determine a series of chemical-physical information related to the chemical components contained in the food and a weighing apparatus, which is installed in a self-propelled unit to measure the weight of the food and is adapted to establish a wireless communication with the testing apparatus to receive the chemical-physical information related to the components contained in the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Dinamica Generale S.R.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Ghiraldi
  • Patent number: 8123731
    Abstract: An improved method for measuring and automatically disposing of infectious waste generated during and after surgical and clinical procedures is provided. The infectious waste removal device includes a suction source, a method for pressure verification, separation chamber for isolating fluids, containment reservoir, measurement chamber for determining fluid received, an information source for such fluid volumes, a quantitative method for calculating fluid dynamics, a post use cleaning method, and other attributes for use by the surgical team or healthcare staff in order to minimize health care worker handling of said infectious waste and to limit their possible exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: BioDrain Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall C. Ryan
  • Patent number: 8122918
    Abstract: A high pressure fuel flow control device wherein pressure sensors are interposed on either side of the main restriction point of a refueling depot when the vehicle tank(s) to be refilled are interconnected in a flow circuit that connects the refilling depot and the vehicle tanks. The sensors measure pressure on the side of the depot tank[s] and pressure on the side of the vehicle tank at a restriction point in the gas flow circuit. Flow from a tank is complete and a tank is switched when the difference in the pressures sensed on opposite sides of the restriction point approaches zero or slightly greater than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Handa
  • Patent number: 8123028
    Abstract: A contact lens storage and cleaning case is described. The case compromises (a) two contact lens chambers that are closed via a chamber cap for each contact lens; and (b) fluid reservoir and integrated pump. The contact lens chamber can be closed using removable chamber caps each of which has a flexible compressible cavity in whose center is mounted a flexible cap membrane that faces and isolates the chamber. Air can escape from the cavity via an opening in the chamber cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Cornelius Doniga
  • Patent number: 8122920
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage container tapping apparatus, with: a transporting device for transporting beverage containers from an introducing position to a first and a second position, a disinfecting device for disinfecting a beverage container fitting, said disinfecting device being assigned to the first position, a tap head device with a tap head and a unit for attaching the tap head to the fitting of a beverage container, wherein the tap head device is assigned to the second position, and a device for transporting a beverage container out of the second position into an empties region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: SafeClean EDE GmbH
    Inventor: Gisela Eberle-Rubo
  • Patent number: 8109301
    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: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Jason Adam Denise
  • Patent number: 8104522
    Abstract: A fluid exchange machine for removing used transmission fluid from a vehicle's cooling system and replacing the used fluid with fresh fluid includes a fresh fluid tank, a used fluid tank, a pump for forcing fresh fluid from the fresh fluid tank to a vehicle's cooling system, a processor for controlling a fluid exchange operation, and a display coupled to said processor for graphically representing a status of the fluid exchange operation. The display can be an LCD display or other display capable of graphical representation of the conditions and status of the fluid exchange operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Michael Flournoy
  • Patent number: 8100153
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a float valve apparatus including: a housing including: a partition wall dividing an internal space into lower and upper spaces and having an opening therein; a ventilation pipe communicating the upper space with an outside; a valve seat formed at the opening; and a communication hole communicating the lower space with the outside; a float that is valve vertically slidably movable in the lower space and that upwardly floats in accordance with liquid flowing thereinto to open and close the opening; an upward urging spring urging the float valve from the housing toward the opening; and a support spring disposed inside the upward urging spring to support the float valve to not contact with a bottom surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Hirata
  • Patent number: 8096328
    Abstract: A tire inflation apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim comprises an inflation head mounted to a moveable inflation shaft of a head position cylinder and an assist cylinder mounted to a frame member, with the frame member and assist cylinder positioned above the inflation location. The assist cylinder includes a moveable assist shaft operatively connected to the inflation shaft by a moveable cross member whereby the head position cylinder and assist cylinder cooperatively operate to selectively position the inflation head. The inflation head is positioned in a retracted position by vertical upward extension of the assist shaft and positioned in a tire engaging position by vertical downward retraction of the assist shaft. A fluid passage in the inflation shaft may deliver pressurized gas into a tire inflation cavity of the inflation head for inflating a tire when the inflation head is sealed against the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Burke E. Porter Machinery Co.
    Inventor: Mark S. Hoenke
  • Patent number: 8069885
    Abstract: A service station, in particular a hydrogen service station for filling a motor vehicle with a gaseous and/or a liquid medium, in particular with gaseous or liquid hydrogen, is disclosed. The station includes a) a reservoir for storing a liquid medium, b) a liquid medium dispensing unit which is supplied with the liquid medium from the reservoir, c) a compressor, an evaporator, a heating system, and an intermediate reservoir for intermediate storage of a compressed gaseous medium, d) a gaseous medium dispensing unit mounted downstream of the intermediate reservoir, e) a fuel cell which is supplied by the gaseous medium coming from the reservoir and/or the intermediate reservoir and supplies power to the compressor, and f) a control unit which is powered by the fuel cell and used for controlling the compressor, the gaseous medium dispensing unit and/or the liquid medium dispensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Tobias Kederer, Henning Tomforde
  • Patent number: 8069884
    Abstract: An automotive fluid reservoir for storing and dispensing automotive fluids, such as motor oil and transmission fluid, into the engine and transmission of a vehicle is provided. The automotive fluid reservoir comprises a housing having a top side, a bottom side, a pair of end walls, a first side wall, and a second side wall. At least one compartment is formed in the housing with each compartment fluidly separate from any other compartment. A fluid receiving aperture is formed in the top side of the housing directly over each compartment for receiving fluid from an appropriate fluid container. At least one fluid output aperture is formed in one of the side walls of the housing with each fluid output aperture fluidly connected to at least one of the compartments. A length of tubing is connected to each of the fluid output apertures with each tubing extending from the appropriate fluid output aperture to the standard fluid reservoir within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Curtis L. Gray-Woods
  • Patent number: 8056468
    Abstract: The apparatus for producing a coffee beverage comprises an automatic coffee machine and a receptacle that can be docked with the beverage spigot of the machine in filling position, the receptacle having a mechanism that is detectable by a sensor mechanism in the machine when the receptacle attains the filling position, the sensor mechanism being in communication with the control unit of the coffee machine in such a way that, when it detects the detectable mechanism, it automatically sends the control unit a signal to switch the coffee machine to an operating mode that consecutively executes one or more operating cycles for filling of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: De'Longhi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe De'Longhi
  • Publication number: 20110272059
    Abstract: A method of bulk handling of a liquid agricultural chemical includes securing an above ground farm container to the ground at a farm location with an input port defined in a top thereof; pumping the chemical from a container at a dealer location into a transport vehicle, driving the transport vehicle to the farm location, and pumping the agricultural chemical into the input port; pumping the agricultural chemical from the farm container through an output port in the top of the farm container into a carry tank on a farm vehicle; and driving the farm vehicle to a field location and pumping the agricultural chemical from the carry tank into a chemical applicator for application on a field. A suitable chemical container for the farm location has an outer shell and inner molded tank with an upper portion that protrudes laterally outward over the top edge of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis Bulani
  • Patent number: 8051882
    Abstract: A system and method is provided to monitor a tanker truck. The system includes a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors configured to detect an event. The system also includes a monitoring unit electrically coupled with the plurality of sensors to detect the event. The monitoring unit includes a processing unit, a time module, and a memory, and is operable to time stamp data about the sensed event with information from the time module and store the detected and time stamped event in the memory. The system further includes a handheld data terminal configured to communicate with the monitoring unit. The handheld data terminal is operable to retrieve and display the stored event, and includes a processing unit, a memory, a user interface, a time module, and a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dixon Valve and Coupling Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Koeninger, Charles A. Braun
  • Patent number: 8042578
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for making paints from prepaints, along with a method related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Robert Post, Ta-Jung Weng, Tsey-Jiann Yang
  • Publication number: 20110247720
    Abstract: An inspection machine for inspecting the volume of liquid contained by a bottle filed to its defined fill height. A head is lowered and has a sealing plate which seals the open finish of a bottle. A fill tube assembly is part of the head and continues to be lowered until a level sensor is located to sense liquid at a pre-fill level. High and low pressure water lines which are a part of the fill tube assembly are operated to fill the bottle to the pre-fill level. The sealing plate is released and then the process is repeated lowering the sensor to the post-fill level and operating only the low-pressure line to fill the bottle to the post-fill level. The total liquid filling the bottle is then computed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Alan E. Thomas, Michael C. Bagley, Philippe Spiteri
  • Patent number: 8028726
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for automatically maintaining a pressure differential for the continuous delivery of a liquid to semiconductor manufacturing equipment. A refillable bulk liquid delivery system includes a plurality of canisters residing along a liquid flow path, whereby an over pressure is detected within at least one of the canisters. The over pressure may be detected using an automatic venting circuit or a programmable logic controller programmed for detecting such over pressures. The over pressure is then exhausted by removing excess pressure from the canister through a venting valve to maintain a Delta pressure across the canisters for continuously delivering the liquid along the liquid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C Easton
  • Patent number: 8028724
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas storage apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat insulated tank and liquefied natural gas contained in the tank. The tank has heat insulation sufficient to maintain liquefied natural gas therein such that most of the liquefied natural gas stays in liquid. The contained liquefied natural gas has a vapor pressure from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar. The apparatus further includes a safety valve configured to release a part of liquefied natural gas contained in the tank when a vapor pressure of liquefied natural gas within the tank becomes higher than a cut-off pressure. The cut-off pressure is from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Han Lee, Jung Ho Choi, Sung Kon Han, Dong Kyu Choi, Young Sik Moon
  • Patent number: 8020589
    Abstract: A hydrogen dispensing station and method of operating a hydrogen dispensing station for dispensing to multiple receiving vessels. The station and method limit receiving vessel gas temperature during dispensing. Various components used to limit receiving vessel gas temperature during dispensing are mutual to multiple hydrogen service ports. Receiving vessel gas temperature during dispensing may be affected by pressure ramp rate control, cooling of hydrogen in a heat exchanger, and/or use of a lower temperature hydrogen source stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, Tama Maya Copeman
  • Patent number: 8011394
    Abstract: The invention includes a material dispenser that further includes a container containing material, a press plate or puck for exerting pressure on the material, a sensor for detecting the material discharged from the container, and a scale for detecting the amount of material discharged from the container. The sensor and scale provide feedback to a computer which controls the amount of pressure exerted on the material. The computer controls the pulsing of additional material from the container until a targeted amount of material has been discharged from the container. The invention permits the dispensing of a specific amount of material in a controllable, metered fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GFI Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Luehrsen, John Borkovec, Derek P. Pedraza
  • Patent number: 8002873
    Abstract: A method of increasing the nitrogen concentration within a tire of a vehicle includes transporting a mobile nitrogen concentrating apparatus to a position adjacent the vehicle and concentrating a nitrogen content of a compressed first gas to obtain a second gas. The method also includes coupling the nitrogen concentrating apparatus in fluid communication with the tire and programming an inflator to purge the tire to a predetermined pressure and then pressurizing the container to a predetermined pressure. The method also includes purging the container of a portion of the existing gas and introducing a portion of the second gas into the tire to create a first gas mixture. The method additionally includes purging the container of a portion of the first gas mixture, and introducing a portion of the second gas into the tire to create a second gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Wrosch, Anthony F. Grzelakowski