Combined Patents (Class 141/98)
  • Patent number: 6418985
    Abstract: A system for delivering fuel comprising a receiver coupled in liquid communication with a fuel tank of a vehicle, a nozzle coupled in liquid communication with a fuel source and interactive alignment structure for mating the nozzle with receiver in response to movement of the receiver and the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Freddie S. Aguilar
  • Patent number: 6420961
    Abstract: The present invention includes wireless communication systems, interfacing devices, communication methods, methods of interfacing with an interrogator, and methods of operating an interrogator. According to one embodiment, a wireless communication system includes a remote communication device; an interrogator configured to output a forward link wireless communication and receive a reply link wireless communication from the remote communication device responsive to the forward link wireless communication; and an interface device configured to interface with the interrogator using a wireless medium, the interrogator being configured to be controlled by the interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Bates, Scott Hahn
  • Publication number: 20020088504
    Abstract: A multicomponent, ground based system for reducing the hazard of explosion of aircraft fuel in the on board tanks of aircraft. The system is adapted to provide a supply of scrubbed fuel having a low concentration of dissolved oxygen. The scrubbed fuel can be supplied from bulk storage tanks to dispensing stations nearby the aircraft loading and boarding positions at an airport. The system also includes equipment adapted to wash the ullage of the aircraft fuel tanks to remove excess oxygen above the fuel in the tanks. The system further includes a gas cleaning unit to strip excessive amounts of volatile organic compounds from gas exhausted during operation of the system thereby producing environmentally benign atmospheric emissions. The system also includes redundant sources of inert gas so that the system can continue to operate in the contingency that one of the inert gas sources temporarily ceases to operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Richard A. Sauer
  • Publication number: 20020088822
    Abstract: A multiproduct fuel dispenser for dispensing a plurality of fuels stored in a plurality of reservoir tanks comprising a nozzle for dispensing fuel, fuel delivery lines for delivering fuel from the plurality of reservoir tanks to the nozzle, and a common fuel meter operatively connected to the fuel delivery lines for quantifying the amount of fuel dispensed from the plurality of reservoir tanks, the common fuel meter having an internal volume no greater than 0.1 gallons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: John Arnold Todd
  • Publication number: 20020074247
    Abstract: A collapsible funnel and a storage case therefor, the collapsible funnel having a base and an upper portion, the upper portion being formed of a plurality of segments divided by fold lines to permit the segments to be folded inwardly, the base portion being formed of at least first and second base portion sections, the storage case having a polygonal cross sectional configuration corresponding to the polygonal configuration of the upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Christian Tremblay
  • Patent number: 6405765
    Abstract: A wall mounted device for recovering oil or other fluids from at least one open mouthed container in its inverted position comprising a funnel with one or more inlets at its upper portion for retaining the neck of a container, and an outlet port at its lower end. The outlet port has a pivoting threaded nozzle for receivably adapting a container so that the device can be mounted in close proximity to a wall and provide the ability to view a sight strip that is commonly used on plastic containers. The upper portion includes closures for the inlet(s) when they are not in use preventing contamination. The device is made of a transparent plastic material allowing constant random inspection of the interior. The upper and lower portions may be easily disconnected for cleaning by releasing a snap from its catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Rickie Michael Handrick
  • Publication number: 20020069933
    Abstract: A FOUP opener opens and closes a FOUP door which closes a front opening portion of a FOUP which contains a plurality of semiconductor wafers. The FOUP opener includes a dock plate for carrying and positioning the FOUP; a dock moving mechanism for moving the dock plate to a position for detachment/attachment of the FOUP door; a port door including a detachment/attachment mechanism for detaching/attaching the FOUP door and a holder mechanism for holding the FOUP door; a port plate including an opening portion, the opening portion being closed by the port door; a port door horizontal-movement mechanism for horizontally moving the port door; and a port door vertical-movement mechanism for vertically moving the port door with the port door holding the FOUP door, so as to house the FOUP door. The port door includes a seal member for sealing a space defined between an outside wall of the FOUP door and an outside wall of the port door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: HIRATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsunori Otaguro
  • Patent number: 6401767
    Abstract: A safety system for grounding an operator at a fueling station prior to removing a fuel fill nozzle from a fuel tank upon completion of a fuel filling operation is provided which includes a fuel tank port in communication with the fuel tank for receiving and retaining the nozzle during the fuel filling operation and a grounding device adjacent to the fuel tank port which includes a grounding switch having a contact member that receives physical contact by the operator and where physical contact of the contact member activates the grounding switch. A releasable interlock is included that provides a lock position wherein the nozzle is locked into the port upon insertion of the nozzle into the port and a release position wherein the nozzle is releasable from the port upon completion of the fuel filling operation and after physical contact of the contact member is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, David John Farese, Jianguo Xu
  • Patent number: 6394151
    Abstract: A dual-mode propane fuel dispenser apparatus and a metal skid framework supporting a bottled gas dispensing station on one side and a motor vehicle fuel pump carried at an opposite side. Dispensing nozzles at each side are coupled to a common supply tank and solenoid valves are used to control flow to the selected dispenser. The bottled gas station has a scale to measure weight to determine when the container is full. The fuel dispenser includes a meter which determines the volume of fuel dispensed. A computer and visual displays are provided to show amounts dispensed to either a vehicle tank or bottled gas container and the price charged for each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventors: Curtis J. Donaldson, Mark D. Hoebener
  • Patent number: 6394148
    Abstract: A sprayer kit comprising a sprayer container adapted to be filled with a fluid, a hand pump for pressurizing fluid in the sprayer container and a fluid transfer device. The fluid transfer device is configured to be inserted into an opening in a commercial container, with the fluid transfer device being adapted to transport fluid from the commercial container to the sprayer container. The hand pump is adapted to be alternatively placed in the sprayer container for pressurizing fluid in the sprayer container and placed in the fluid transfer device for pressurizing the fluid in the commercial container to force the fluid in the commercial container through the fluid transfer device and into the sprayer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Root-Lowell Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Michael T. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6394150
    Abstract: A computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank, a fluid tank mounted identifier, a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, the fluid fill nozzle reader being in wireless communication with the tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with the system controller, the fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with the nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of the conduit portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Hi-G-Tek Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosef Haimovich, Roni Cohen
  • Patent number: 6390149
    Abstract: Devices for emptying a container of viscous fluid in an ambient medium where there exists an atmosphere under pressure and a force of gravity. The device of the invention is essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises a receptacle 1 having a main volume 2 comprising top and bottom portions 3 and 4 and in which a separation wall 5 defines two secondary volumes 6 and 7, an orifice 8 made through the wall 5 to put the two secondary volumes 6 and 7 into communication, and opening out into the secondary volume 7 in the top portion 3 of the main volume, a pump 10 mounted to co-operate with the receptacle 1, its suction inlet 11 being in the volume 6 and its outlet 12 opening out to the outside 13 of the receptacle 1, a tube 14, and means 17 for mounting the tube 14 in association with the receptacle 1 so that its outlet opening 16 is situated in the secondary volume 7 and its inlet opening 15 lies outside the receptacle 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Arbey Thierry
    Inventors: Thierry Arbey, Patick Gastaldello
  • Patent number: 6390152
    Abstract: A bulk unloading station is formed by two elongated modules stacked one on top of the other. Each module has a frame with pillars and when the upper module is stacked on the lower module the pillars on the upper module align with the pillars on the lower module. The modules are sized for shipment by truck or railroad car to the bulk unloading site. The lower module contains fluid transfer equipment. Unloading arms, with fluid conduits connectable to a fluid containing vehicle at one lateral side of the station, are mounted on the upper module. Conduits extending between the lower module and the upper module include removable segments at the juncture of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Aluminum Ladder Company
    Inventors: John K. Donovan, Eugene R. Brown, Ronald W. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6390151
    Abstract: A central system controller located at a remote service facility performs the centralized processing of the various refueling transaction requests originating from a network of service station sites. The transaction request is transmitted by the customer from a vehicle RF transceiver to a dispenser-equipped RF transceiver where it is routed through an on-site dedicated controller to the central system controller over a long-haul communications link. The central system controller processes the transaction and directs the dedicated controller to render operative control of the fuel dispenser and an associated hydraulic arm assembly that selectively maneuvers the nozzle assembly into fueling engagement with the vehicle in an automated fashion. The central system controller is connected to other commercial retailers such as online merchants to permit the customer to request additional transactions unrelated to the refueling activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Christman, William Goggin
  • Patent number: 6390145
    Abstract: A clean box has a container including a container body opened at one surface and a lid for closing the opening of the container body. An annular groove is formed in at least one of the container body and the lid so as to surround the opening. An elastic seal member is disposed within the annular groove along its whole length. A cross-section in a width direction of the elastic seal member has relatively thick end portions and a relatively thin intermediate portion in its dimension in a depth direction of the annular groove. Thus, when the lid closes the opening of the container body, an annular suction space is defined along the intermediate portion of the seal member. Also, the suction space is sealed by elastic deformation of the both end portions of the seal member between the container body and the lid. Further, the clean box has an intake/exhaust port mechanism for evacuation/release of the suction space from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Okabe, Toshihiko Miyajima, Hiroshi Igarashi
  • Patent number: 6390153
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety container for inflammable liquids, including a single valve body that has a pour-spout and a fill-spout, as well as a concerted venting means which are all located within the single valve body, thus eliminating user confusion and increasing safety by having one valve body containing all of these said functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company LLC
    Inventors: Frank S Flider, Ted E Holmes
  • Patent number: 6386245
    Abstract: A method of preventing a deformable container from deforming when it contains a solution, which solution contains a dissolved gas or a species which under storage conditions is capable of generating a gaseous species is disclosed. The method is to provide a headspace in the container which headspace is enriched in the gaseous species which the solution is prone to give up to the atmosphere in the absence of such enrichment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventors: M. Stephen Lajoie, Benny Yam, Peter J. Fallat, II
  • Publication number: 20020053367
    Abstract: A processing apparatus includes an inner cylinder 25 (a processing chamber 23) accommodated in a carrying unit for carrying an object to be processed and further seals up the object with the inner cylinder 25 or a first stationary wall 34 to process the object in contact with processing fluid. In this processing apparatus with sealing mechanism, flexible hollow packings 100, 101 are arranged doubly in either the inner cylinder 25 or the first stationary wall 34, at its occluded part with the first stationary wall 34 and the inner cylinder 25. The hollow packings 100, 101 have their hollow parts 102 connected with respective pressurized-air sources 103 through pressure-detecting switches 110 and closing valves 105. By expanding or contracting the hollow packings 100, 101, the operation of the apparatus is switched in between its sealing state and non-sealing state. With this arrangement, it is possible to improve the sealing capability and prolong the life of the mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Yuji Kamikawa, Koji Egashira
  • Patent number: 6382271
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of replacing old fluid in a transmission system by feeding clean fluid into the system from a clean fluid tank using a pump and draining the old fluid into a waste tank and using a processor to monitor the clean fluid pressure in the clean tank and the old fluid pressure in the waste tank and adjusting the pump's speed using the processor such that the old fluid is drained at substantially the same rate as the clean fluid is fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Motorvac Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo Betancourt, John Rome
  • Patent number: 6382272
    Abstract: A motor truck has a frame supporting an enclosed housing having two compartments accommodating a fuel tank, an oil tank in one compartment and a container for sand in the other compartment for servicing a rail locomotive located at a remote location or rail yard. Pumps mounted located in the one compartment move the fuel, oil, and water from the tanks through hoses to tanks on the locomotive. Air flowing from an air compressor moves sand from the sand container into a sand hopper on the locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: M-Bar-D Railcar Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Dahlin, William S. Pladson
  • Patent number: 6378657
    Abstract: Fluid changing in an automatic transmission by opening the cooler line and draining used fluid, at the flow of normal circulation, out of the cooler line from the transmission into a drain receptacle for receiving used fluid and simultaneously supplying fresh fluid, from a pressurized supply receptacle into the cooler return line to the transmission at a similar controlled rate that is equal or greater than the rate of flow of the used fluid into the drain receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: James P. Viken
  • Patent number: 6374872
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing used transmission fluid from an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle wherein a cylindrical reservoir having a rotating wand therein for dividing the reservoir into two chambers, said first chamber being connected to the transmission fluid outlet of the transmission and said second chamber being connected to the fluid input of a transmission fluid cooler wherein the second chamber is initially filled with fresh fluid forcing the wand toward the first chamber and wherein the fluid exiting the transmission due to the pump in the transmission fills the first chamber and forces the wand to rotate to expel fresh fluid form the second chamber into the cooler and the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Mega Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruno J. Tarabocchia
  • Patent number: 6374871
    Abstract: A container for use in a processing chamber to lessen the amount of contaminant particles found within the chamber after processing. The container fits closely within the chamber and includes ports for a gas conduit and a vacuum conduit. The container may be locked to the chamber through a locking mechanism and a recess in the container. The container may be guided into the chamber with a plurality of chamfers. The container may be used in inductively coupled plasma chambers, electron cyclotron resonance chambers, and chambers capable of receiving microwaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin G. Donohoe
  • Patent number: 6367516
    Abstract: A central system controller located at a remote service facility performs the centralized processing of the various refueling transaction requests originating from a network of service station sites. The transaction request is transmitted by the customer from a vehicle RF transceiver to a dispenser equipped RF transceiver where it is routed through an on-site dedicated controller to the central system controller over a long-haul communications link. The central system controller processes the transaction and directs the dedicated controller to render operative control of the fuel dispenser and an associated hydraulic arm assembly that selectively maneuvers the nozzle assembly into fueling engagement with the vehicle in an automated fashion. The central system controller is connected to other commercial retailers such as online merchants to permit the customer to request additional transactions unrelated to the refueling activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Christman, William Goggin
  • Patent number: 6368411
    Abstract: The system and method for molecular contamination control permits purging a SMIF pod to desired levels of relative humidity, oxygen, or particulates. The SMIF pod includes an inlet port including a check valve and filter assembly for supplying a clean, dry gaseous working fluid to maintain low levels of moisture, oxygen, and particulate content around materials contained in the SMIF pod. The SMIF pod outlet port, which also includes a check valve and filter assembly, is connected with an evacuation system. Flow of purge gas inside the SMIF pod can be directed with one or more nozzle towers to encourage laminar flow inside the pod, and one or more outlet towers., having a function similar to that of the inlet tower, may also be provided. The purge gas can be dried by exposure to a desiccant, heated to temperatures between about 100° C. and about 120° C., and can be tested for baseline constituent levels prior to or after introduction into a SMIF pod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Semifab Incorporated
    Inventors: Glenn A. Roberson, Jr., Robert M. Genco, Robert B. Eglinton, Wayland Comer, Gregory K. Mundt
  • Patent number: 6365054
    Abstract: A method of operating a plant for filling containers by moving a liquid such as water through an apparatus with at least one portion for receiving the liquid before it is filtered and at least one portion for receiving the liquid after it is filtered, so that the liquid moves from at least an upper area of apparatus to lower area of the apparatus to be transferred to bottles or other containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Roland Krüger, Markus Kolczyk, Rainer Kuhnt, Dietmar Oechsle
  • Patent number: 6360790
    Abstract: An apparatus for adding coolant to a cooling system of a motor vehicle includes a cap with a resilient sleeve that expands against the inside wall of a radiator filler neck to provide an airtight connection. A valve attached to the cap controls the flow of air and coolant through the cap. A gauge on the cap indicates the pressure inside the radiator. A venturi assembly connected to the valve provides a source of vacuum for evacuating air from the cooling system. Thereafter, coolant is drawn through the cap by the vacuum created in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: UView Ultraviolet Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Klamm, Phil Trigiani
  • Patent number: 6360791
    Abstract: Method and apparatus, for servicing engine cooling systems, including a service inlet, a vacuum pump, a two-way solenoid interposed between the vacuum pump and the service inlet, a service outlet, a disposal hose, a new fluid tank, a pressure pump interposed between the service outlet and the new fluid tank, a three-way solenoid interposed between the service outlet and the two-way solenoid, a low-level trigger mechanism, a flow control relief valve and other elements to enhance various modes of operation. The apparatus is capable of performing various operations, including close-loop fluid cycle, fluid vacuum, fluid top-off, fluid exchange and fluid flow control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Motorvac Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Rome, Eduardo Betancourt
  • Patent number: 6357489
    Abstract: The device for storing a liquid medicinal substance, particularly a component of a multi-component tissue adhesive, comprises a vessel (12) for the medicinal substance, the vessel (12) having a bottom wall (14), a side wall (16) and an opening (22) opposite the bottom wall (14) and closed by a closure body (24) which in turn is pierceable from outside by a puncture needle placed into sealed abutment. The device further comprises a receiver cup (26) for said vessel (12), the receiver cup (26) having a bottom wall (28) and a side wall (30) formed with an edge (32) delimiting the side wall (30) at its upper end opposite the bottom wall (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Omrix Biopharmaceuticals S.A.
    Inventor: Freddy Zinger
  • Patent number: 6357488
    Abstract: In order to transfer aseptic products between two enclosures (34), use is made of a sterile container (10) having a filling interface (16) and an emptying interface (18). Each interface (16, 18) comprises a seal (24) behind which is placed a flexible hose (26) equipped with a closure system (30, 30′). The filling and emptying of the container (10) take place by connecting the corresponding interface (16, 18) and enclosure (34), sterilizing the volume trapped between the seal (24) and the door (42, 50) of the enclosure (34), opening said door and also the seal and putting into place the corresponding flexible hose (26). After filling the container (10), the closure system (30) of the filling interface (16) is closed again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: La Calhene
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Brossard, Philippe Fontcuberta
  • Publication number: 20020029818
    Abstract: For making it feasible to suit to vacuum processing utilizing a system consisting of an exhaust section and a separable vacuum processing vessel section, to ensure flexibility of production, to prevent dust from attaching onto an article, so as to achieve increase in non-defective percentage of vacuum-processed articles, and also to suppress variability in vacuum processing characteristics among lots, an article is loaded into a movable vacuum processing vessel section, the vacuum processing vessel section is preliminarily pressure-reduced and moved, the vacuum processing vessel section is connected to an exhaust section, and communication is established between the vacuum processing vessel section and the exhaust section to perform vacuum processing. A first opening provided in the vacuum processing vessel section is connected to a second opening provided in the exhaust section and a vacuum seal valve of the first opening which is openable and closable, is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Hitoshi Murayama, Tatsuyuki Aoike, Toshiyasu Shirasuna, Kazuyoshi Akiyama, Takashi Ohtsuka, Daisuke Tazawa, Kazuto Hosoi, Yukihiro Abe
  • Patent number: 6354337
    Abstract: A baster and cleaning brush set includes a baster and a cleaning brush. The baster has a tube with a tip portion at one end and a compressible bulb at the other end. The bulb is removable from the tube. The cleaning brush includes a handle and a shank from which bristles extend transversely. An elongate cleaning probe, sized to fit within the tip portion, extends from the end of the handle opposite the shank and bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: The Pampered Chef, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce Odessky, Shane Peterson, Alison A. Roach
  • Patent number: 6354343
    Abstract: An automatic fueling system includes a pump having a telescoping arm capable of placement in three-dimensional space, a flexibly mounted nozzle on the end of the arm and a docking cone to mate with the fuel port on a vehicle. A camera provides a view of the side of the vehicle on a monitor with guides visible to the operator of the vehicle to assist in locating the vehicle within range of the pump. A light and a camera located adjacent to the nozzle are used to recognize retro-reflective light from an annular target about the intake port. Multiple approximations of the distance and location of the intake port are made with the nozzle moving closer to mating with the intake port. A data link is provided through the mated nozzle with a keypad accessible by the vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: R. Strnad Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Rudolph A. Strnad, Spencer P. Magleby, John F. Marshall, W. Douglas Stout, Carl D. Sorensen, Ryan W. Warnick, Lee Baroldy, Lisa Cloward, David S. Bent, Adam Gaglione, Robert Cvetko, Aaron T. Schellenberg
  • Publication number: 20020023691
    Abstract: A combined oil drain and fill apparatus includes an oil supply container, oil waste container, supply pump, waste pump, supply check valve, waste check valve, Y-connector, and oil hose. One end of the supply pump is connected to the supply container and the other end is connected to the supply check valve. One end of the waste pump is connected to the waste container and the other end is connected to the waste check valve. The Y-connector has two inlets and one outlet. The supply and waste check valves are connected to the inlets of the Y-connector and the oil hose is connected to the outlet of the Y-connector. The supply and waste check valves may be replaced with a supply shut-off valve and a waste shut-off valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Richard E. Capstran
  • Patent number: 6349752
    Abstract: A device for the retention of multi-fuels which may be built in or used in a portable mode. It will seal at the top of the fuel fillpipe and allow for the insertion of a utility hose nozzle into the top of the fuel fillpipe. When fluid comes out of the fillpipe, it will be contained by deflection shields while still allowing air to escape due to the arrangement of the shields and basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: John Harold Roberts, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020020460
    Abstract: This invention provides a fluid system for exchanging used hydraulic fluid with fresh hydraulic fluid in an accessed hydraulic circuit. One particular application provides an exchange apparatus for exchanging fluids of the type found in motor vehicle hydraulic circuits. The exchange apparatus may utilize pressurized spent fluid flow as a fluid power medium to activate the auto-replenishing fluid exchanger system to replace the spent fluid with fresh fluid at equalized flow rates. Alternatively, the exchange apparatus may utilize pressurize fresh fluid as a fluid power medium to activate the exchange system. Additional power may be supplied by an external boost pump to supplement the flow of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: James P. Viken
  • Patent number: 6338357
    Abstract: A fluid catch device is adapted to prevent spills when used during removal of a drain plug located in an area of limited access. The fluid catch device is particularly well-suited for use on motorcycles or other vehicles wherein access to an engine fluid drain plug is limited by a glide plate or other obstruction. The fluid catch device comprises an elongated fluid receptacle, a fluid port, and a tool tube. The fluid receptacle has an open end and an opposite end. The fluid port is in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and is adapted to drain fluid from the fluid receptacle. The tool tube extends at least from the opposite end of the fluid receptacle toward the open end of the fluid receptacle. The tool tube has a proximal end that opens outside of the opposite end of the fluid receptacle and a distal end directed toward the open end of the fluid receptacle. The tool tube is adapted to receive a drain plug loosening tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Frank E. Zevgolis
  • Patent number: 6330934
    Abstract: An improved system for changing the fluid of vehicular automatic transmissions and the like, which has the capability to provide a complete fluid exchange faster and with less usage of fresh fluid in a manner that is easier to operate. This is accomplished by the system's unique capability to extract used fluid and replace it with fresh fluid at a faster, balanced rate than before possible in prior art. This is accomplished by decreasing or removing restriction from the exhausting of the used fluid and introducing fresh fluid at more than one locus. The unique, novel capability of the invention to use a dual use pan access tube to combine a static change with a dynamic change, and to introduce fresh fluid into the transmission from two different loci instead of one as in all prior art, allows the fluid exchange to be completed in a shorter time with less use of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: James P. Viken
  • Patent number: 6318402
    Abstract: A closure is movably mounted on the tank top of a pneumatic tank truck. The closure is movable between open and closed positions relative to an opening in the tank top by a pneumatically operated piston. An inflatable seal seals the closure to the tank top when the closure is in open position. Air jets are employed to clean dirt and debris from a guide supporting the closure. All operations can be performed without the driver climbing to the tank top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Ladeira
  • Patent number: 6318417
    Abstract: New or unused consumable product is distributed with a package capable of capturing the used or spent product for transmission to a recycling or disposal facility. The package is preaddressed for delivery to an appropriate reclamation center or disposal facility, with prepaid delivery charges for a commercial package service. At the reclamation center or disposal facility, the used or spent product is separated from the package for recycling and reusable portions of the package are again packaged with new or unused product, with any waste materials being properly handled. In the exemplary embodiment of motor oil, the package includes a drain pan jug for capturing the used motor oil and a shell for transmitting the drain pan jug and its contents to a reclamation facility. The shell may be reused until no longer serviceable, at which time it may be recycled. The drain pan jug, after use, may be shredded and utilized as fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: Gary W. Davis, Jon W. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6319297
    Abstract: Modular cartridges which may be inserted into and removed from a well or receptacle on the bottom of a pod. The cartridges may be configured to include various types and combinations of valves, filters, and/or conditioning agents. A standalone cartridge replacement station may be provided for inserting and removing various cartridges from one or more of the receptacles on the bottom of a pod while wafers are seated within the pod. The standalone replacement unit may decouple an existing cartridge from the pod by rotating the cartridge from a locked to an unlocked position and then lowering the cartridge out of the pod. Thereafter, the replacement station may insert a new cartridge up into the appropriate receptacle and rotate the cartridge into a locked position in the pod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Fosnight
  • Patent number: 6315013
    Abstract: A system for maintaining the sterility of the environment inside a device used to transfer pharmaceutical, food or similar products from one container to another. A special flange for fixing the gasket has been created that is fixed magnetically to the body of the container; a diaphragm inside the gasket completely closes the shaft's through hole that controls the distribution device, with the subsequent division of the shaft into two semi-shafts that are connected via the diaphragm by magnets hidden in the surfaces of the two facing semi-shafts. The bottom part of the distributor container and the top part of the transfer container are closed by two plates of ferrous magnetic material that is fixed to the parts by magnetic fittings, which plates will be extracted after the two containers are connected. Finally, a cylindrical screen is lifted up before the valve is activated to transfer the product in order to prevent any connection between the inner part of the connected containers and the extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Salvatore Lardieri
  • Patent number: 6308750
    Abstract: A manual microarrayer apparatus is disclosed which includes an integral visual magnification system alphanumeric counter and LED display for tracking samples in a microtitre plate. The apparatus is preferably reversible so as to provide left and right handed user formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Genpak Limited
    Inventor: Julian Burke
  • Patent number: 6308749
    Abstract: Sterile products contained in a container (10) are transferred into a sterile isolator (12) by connecting the container onto a lock (28) fitted on the outside of the isolator (12) and equipped with a pulsed light sterilization device (28). The connection between the lock (28) and the isolator (12) is made by a sealed double door transfer device. The throwaway container is equipped with a plug type closer (16), cutout from the inside of the isolator (12) after sterilizing the volume (40) inside the lock (28) and opening the double door (24, 38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: La Calhene
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Brossard, Philippe Fontcuberta, Jean-Michel Riviere
  • Patent number: 6305440
    Abstract: A dispensing system (10) that utilizes radio frequencies identification capabilities in a service station environment to reliably and accurately detect an on-board vapor recovery (ORVR) system in a vehicle (26). The dispensing system (10) includes a vapor recovery system (33) for recovering fuel vapors responsive to a fuel being dispensed. The vapor recovery system (33) has a disabling mechanism (42) for selectively preventing its operation. The dispensing system (10) also includes an antenna (22A, 22B, 24A, 24B) for detecting a radio frequency signal from a transmitter (23 or 25) in a vehicle (26). The radio frequency signal may be a single bit indicating that the vehicle (26) has the ORVR system, or may include additional bits indicating a type of fuel to be dispensed. When the transmitter (23 or 25) is within a predetermined distance from the antenna (22A, 22B, 24A, 24B), a controller (20) receives the radio frequency signal from the antenna (22A, 22B, 24A, 24B) and asserts a disable signal (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Don C. McCall, Ken W. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20010029998
    Abstract: Dispensing system for automotive fuel including a casing mounted within the ground and containing a fuel flow meter and an associated valve. The meter is linked by a fuel line to a fuel tank. An above-ground structure is provided for supporting a dispensing hose to which the meter and associated valve within the casing are linked by a delivery line passing externally of the casing. The casing is adjacent to but separate from the above-ground structure whereby the aboveground structure is mounted independently of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: John G. White, RONALD ROBSON HYMERS
  • Patent number: 6302167
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing and flushing hydraulic fluid and contaminants from a vehicle's or other equipment's hydraulic system, and refilling the hydraulic system with new fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Peter C. Hollub
  • Patent number: 6296028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile oil change device suitable for transporting to a remote site of an automobile movement of the automobile into an enclosure carried by the device and conducting an oil change in the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Daryl R. Oakland
  • Publication number: 20010022203
    Abstract: Method and apparatus, for servicing engine cooling systems, including a service inlet, a vacuum pump, a two-way solenoid interposed between the vacuum pump and the service inlet, a service outlet, a disposal hose, a new fluid tank, a pressure pump interposed between the service outlet and the new fluid tank, a three-way solenoid interposed between the service outlet and the two-way solenoid, a low-level trigger mechanism, a flow control relief valve and other elements to enhance various modes of operation. The apparatus is capable of performing various operations, including close-loop fluid cycle, fluid vacuum, fluid top-off, fluid exchange and fluid flow control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: John Rome, Eduardo Betancourt
  • Patent number: RE37566
    Abstract: A holding device for collecting adjacent an outlet spout the residual contents from a container for eventual complete consumption of said residual contents, comprising a hollow rigid base portion; a flexible conical-shaped hollow upper portion; and the smaller first end aperture at the apex of the flexible conical-shaped upper portion being inserted into the upper end aperture of the rigid base portion and concentrically engaged with the upper edge of the base portion. The device further includes a plurality of concavities at a predetermined radially spaced apart relationship along a bottom edge of the base portion. The upper portion is made from a foam rubber material and the rigid base portion is made from a plastic, a ceramic, a metal, a nylon, or a durable hard-rubber material .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventors: Denise M. Cristea, Mary A. Marszalek