Plural Materials Patents (Class 141/9)
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Publication number: 20030111130Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that allows two or more compositions to be placed into a single container in novel designs. Each product may have completely different chemical and physical properties, and each product may have a different function and purpose. The design of the resulting product may be modified by changing factors such as fill speeds, fill durations, the angle of the dispensing nozzle and starting and stopping points of the dispensing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2003Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Steven Dugdale, Steven R. LeCavalier
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Patent number: 6575208Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing a multi-compartment container having two open ends and a partition wall that forms a fluid-tight seal defining two compartments each holding a separate component to be mixed with one another by the end-user prior to use. The process and apparatus for filling the two-compartment container comprises filling one compartment with material through an opening at one end of the container; sealing the opening; rotating the container; filling the other compartment with material through an opening at the other end of the container; and sealing the other opening preferably with a removable seal.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: M.L.I.S. Projects Ltd.Inventors: Igal Sharon, Michael Inbar
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Patent number: 6568157Abstract: During automatic supply and packing of a liquid composition containing granular constituents, a master liquid, not containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is continuously supplied to a packing bag formed from a packing film by making bottom and top seals, in this order, on the packing bag with the packing film being stroked and squeezed to remove a part of the master liquid from bag portions where the bottom and top seals are to be formed, and a second liquid, containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is intermittently supplied into the packing bag between the bottom and top seals. Thereby, a liquid composition containing granular constituents can be packed with the nearly same efficiency as that in continuous supply and packing of a liquid.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Taisei Lamick Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsunori Futase
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Patent number: 6561232Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for introducing an additive component (131) in the form of a liquid or granulated solid into a liquid (40) stored in a first container (150). The additive component (131) is stored separately from the liquid (40) in a dip tube or conduit (132). The container (150) has an opening closed by a releasable closure (152). A second container or tank (111) containing pressurized propellant fluid (116) is positioned in the neck or closure of the first container, adjacent to the opening. The dip tube or conduit (132) has a first end communicating with the tank and a second end extending down into the first liquid in the first container. The dip tube (132) contains an additive (131) which is expelled from the dip tube into the first liquid by the entry of the propellant fluid from the tank into the dip tube on release of the releasable closure.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Rocep Lusol Holdings LimitedInventor: Bernard Derek Frutin
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Patent number: 6554031Abstract: A fuel filling system is disclosed for dispensing two fluids to a vehicle, which ensures that a reductant tank is filled during dispensing of fuel.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Derek Albert Channing
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Publication number: 20030075233Abstract: A process is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates in a machine, wherein one or more concentrates and/or one or more diluents are mixed together in a mixing chamber; and the product is dispensed from said machine into a storage container. A machine is also provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates, wherein said machine comprises one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with one or more mixing chambers. Further, a process is provided for the simultaneous multiple mixing and dispensing of a plurality of products employing a machine comprising one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with a plurality of mixing chambers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Timothy Hewlitt, Steven Kelsey, William Maskell, Jerard O'Brien
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Patent number: 6536485Abstract: Prior research into methane storage as a solute gas dissolved in special blended hydrocarbon liquids, and recent developments in use of supercritical fluids as solvent replacements, disposed the inventor to create a novel form of hydrogen packaging by dissolution in a specially blended solvent maintained at specified temperature and pressure conditions at which intermolecular attractions and related critical region phenomena permit storing nine times as much dissolved hydrogen in a given volume than pure hydrogen at the same conditions. The solvent constituents selected are ethane and hexane respectively in a nine-to-one parts by weight ratio, and the solution is prepared and intended to be maintained in its packaged state at room temperature and from twenty to fifty atmospheres of pressure. The solution may be combusted in toto as a fuel, or, if desired, known means for separation of hydrogen may be applied so as to deliver pure hydrogen to a fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventor: Robert N. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20030051765Abstract: A fill probe with an in-line mixer accelerates and facilitates automation of a fill and mix procedure required in formulating certain chemical products. In some formulas, the concentrated chemical components that combine to form the resulting formula (e.g., teat dip) have a wide range of viscosities. The in-line positioning of the mixing attachment with the fill probe on the outside of the fill probe creates a dual action mixing operation that mixes the components as they are deliver to a mixing container and continues to mix them after they are combined with other chemicals within the mixing container. By using a combination fill probe and in-line mixer of the claimed design, a user can automate the fill and mix process, decrease the required mix time, and reduce foaming and spillage of chemicals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Ronald D. Jungmann, Roy F. Johnson, Richard V. Mullen
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Patent number: 6527021Abstract: A system and a method for providing fuel and reductant to a vehicle from a fuel dispensing station are disclosed which allow for providing both fluids to a vehicle equipped with a fuel and reductant tank and allows for providing only fuel to a vehicle without a reductant tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Derek Albert Channing
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Patent number: 6527018Abstract: Each of the batch processing lines has its exclusive one set material processing line independent from others and is operated according to the special algorithm which changes an amount to be prepared in the batch process in a few batches in the final stage of the downstream process based on a calculated total amount required by the downstream process to complete manufacturing. The method for preparing is capable of easily coping with the change of raw materials or prescriptions for the product without increasing or changing existing pipe lines or chemical liquid stock vessels and almost completely avoiding a waste of material.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shingo Yamauchi, Shinichiro Kuwabara
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Patent number: 6517057Abstract: A supply system for feeding a fluid to a vessel (1) is described, which is provided with a feedline (10), having a reservoir which is filled with the fluid and a compressed-gas store (14) which can be brought into communication with this reservoir (13), in which system the reservoir (13) and the compressed-gas store (14) are arranged in immediate proximity to one another, and wherein the reservoir (13) can, when required, be brought into communication with the feedline (10) via connection pieces (11, 12).Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: BASF AktiengesellschaftInventors: Heinrich Aichinger, Michael Fried, Gerhard Nestler, Oliver Odenwald
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Patent number: 6516838Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that allows two or more compositions to be filled with a spiral configuration into a single container. Each product may have completely different chemical and physical properties, and each product may have a different function and purpose. The method includes providing at least two compounds, arranged in separate storage bins each having a pump and a hose attached thereto and pumping the at least two compounds through the respective hoses into a nozzle assembly while at least one of the nozzle and container rotates with respect to the other; and combining predetermined amounts of each of the at least two compounds for creating the resulting product housed in a single container, wherein the resulting product has the at least two compounds formed in a spiral configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Inventors: Patrick Thibiant, Daniel Long, Moe Witwit, Steven R. Le Cavalier
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Patent number: 6510875Abstract: A new inflating device and method for inflating an inflatable object are described. The inflating device includes two compartments: one containing a gas-generating agent and the other containing an activating agent. When mixed, the gas-generating agent and the activating agent produces a gas in situ. The device further includes an activator connected to both compartments and is capable of effectuating mixing between the two agents upon activation. A hose assembly of the inflating device delivers a the gas generated to an inflatable object, such as a flat tire.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: PennzoilInventors: Jiafu Fang, Troy H. Scriven, Dewey P. Szemenyei
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Publication number: 20020170616Abstract: A fuel filling system is disclosed for dispensing two fluids to a vehicle, which ensures that a reductant tank is filled during dispensing of fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Derek Albert Channing
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Patent number: 6474371Abstract: A powder pressing apparatus includes a powder feeding apparatus for supply of a powder such as a rare-earth alloy powder into a cavity of a tooling. The powder feeding apparatus includes a feeder box having a bottom face provided with an opening. Inside the feeder box, there are provided a hopper for supply of the powder into the cavity, a feeder for supply of the powder to the hopper, and a vibration generator for vibration of the hopper. Surfaces of the feeder and hopper to contact the powder are mirror-polished. Leg portions are provided in two sides of the bottom face parallel to a moving direction of the feeder box. The leg portions make the bottom face of the feeder box spaced from an opening of the cavity. The powder supplied to the powder feeding apparatus is weighed by a weighing unit. The opening of the feeder box is provided with a linear member arranged in a grid pattern having a regular pitch. The linear member is rotationally shaken in a horizontal plane when the powder is fed into the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Sumitomo Special Metals Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Ogawa, Toshiaki Tamura
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Patent number: 6474369Abstract: A device for storing and mixing an injectate includes a fluid holder removably coupled to an ampoule. The fluid holder initially contains a fluid and the ampoule initially contains a dry reagent. A breakable membrane may be included between the fluid holder and ampoule to prevent the undesirable mixing of the fluid with the dry reagent. Upon application of force to a plunger rod disposed within the fluid holder, fluid is introduced into the ampoule wherein it is mixed with the dry reagent to create an injectable mixture. Air or gas present in the ampoule may be removed therefrom; the fluid holder may be decoupled from the ampoule; and the ampoule may be further coupled to a needle-less injector for administration of an injection of the mixture. The device is particularly useful for lyophilized pharmaceuticals that rapidly lose medicinal efficacy once in solution form.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Penjet CorporationInventor: Thomas P Castellano
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Publication number: 20020134456Abstract: A system and process for packaging fluid products such as milk and other beverages is disclosed. The fluid product is produced when required and in response to a customer order. For example, milk is received and stored in a raw milk storage silo and separated into two varieties having different butter fat content. A customer order is processed and the system creates labels and fills containers or bottles exactly to meet the customer requirements. The products are palletized and loaded for shipment to the customer. Preferred filling equipment locates a container on a load cell to measure a predetermined amount of the first variety of milk into the container. The container is then filled with a second variety of milk by weight, if necessary, before capping. A supervisory control system directs bottle making, labeling, filling, bundling, and palletizing with virtually no inventory of empty bottles, preprinted labels, finished or prepackaged product inventories.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory J. Watkins, Gregory M. Soehnlen
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Patent number: 6450214Abstract: A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet, the first valve part further including a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve movably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part further includes an air inlet alignable with the air inlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. A sleeve of the second valve part is rotatably mounted to the first valve part. A cap is mounted to the first valve part for rotational and longitudinal movement. Rotation of the sleeve results in rotational and longitudinal movement of the cap. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John J. Dyer, Cathleen M. Arsenault
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Patent number: 6446680Abstract: A system and process for packaging fluid products such as milk and other beverages is disclosed. The fluid product is produced when required and in response to a customer order. For example, milk is received and stored in a raw milk storage silo and separated into two varieties having different butter fat content. A customer order is processed and the system creates labels and fills containers or bottles exactly to meet the customer requirements. The products are palletized and loaded for shipment to the customer. Preferred filling equipment locates a container on a load cell to measure a predetermined amount of the first variety of milk into the container. The container is then filled with a second variety of milk by weight, if necessary, before capping. A supervisory control system directs bottle making, labeling, filling, bundling, and palletizing with virtually no inventory of empty bottles, preprinted labels, finished or prepackaged product inventories.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory J. Watkins, Gregory M. Soehnlen
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Publication number: 20020117232Abstract: The apparatus comprises a casing which envelopes a set of drive and control members and is provided with supports for containers holding the medicinal starting solutions and containers for the medicinal output solutions, and is characterized in that it comprises means for supporting and locating a unit for the suction and expulsion of the solutions, combined with a distributor for defining the liquid inlets and outlets, the apparatus having means for the closure of the flexible inlet and outlet tubes of the distributor by pinching and means for actuating the device for the suction and expulsion of solutions, as well as means for the programmed control of the operating cycles of the means for the closure of the flexible tubes by pinching, with means for the input of operational instructions by a keyboard or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2002Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: Enric Martinell Gisper-Sauch, Jordi Menendez Cortina
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Patent number: 6439272Abstract: The present invention can be characterized as a tamper proof apparatus for dispensing liquid or cleaning product for use in a environment where abuse or vandalism may occur and a method of operating the apparatus. The apparatus includes a first chamber, a second chamber coupled to the first chamber, a first lockable door recessed within one of the first chamber and the second chamber such that a first hinge pin is not removable, a mixing unit within the first chamber. An output hose in one of the first chamber and the second chamber is coupled to the mixing unit and to a feed-through such that the output hose is not exposed outside the chambers. A faceplate with an indentation within the first chamber prevents filling large containers with liquid while also preventing damage to the mixing unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Keene Sanitary Supply, Inc.Inventor: Mark S. Wertheim
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Publication number: 20020083995Abstract: A product delivery system is provided wherein consumer products are delivered in bulk to the retail site and can be dispensed to individual containers at the retail site. The consumer products can include products in concentrated form that may be diluted prior to dispense or use. The consumer products can include, for example and without limitation, foodstuffs, beverages, household products and automotive products. The product delivery system can include manufacture and/or blending of one or more consumer products at a product manufacturing site, said one or more consumer products being filled into bulk shuttle reservoirs, said one or more bulk shuttle reservoirs being transported to the retail site, and the consumer products contained in said bulk shuttle reservoirs being transferred to individual storage containers for retail to the consumer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: David Robert Dudek, John Melvyn Lloyd Jones, David Campbell Murray, Peter Sandiford
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Patent number: 6412658Abstract: A custom cosmetic powder dispensing method, including the steps of providing a body powder dispensing apparatus and operating the body powder dispensing apparatus for dispensing into a container a custom formulation of body powder ingredients at a retail purchase point of sale. The amounts and types of the body powder ingredients dispensed are determined based upon specification by a retail customer.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: IMX Labs, Inc.Inventors: Julie R. Bartholomew, Charles P. Hines, Jr.
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Patent number: 6394151Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventors: Curtis J. Donaldson, Mark D. Hoebener
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Patent number: 6390147Abstract: A system and a method for providing fuel and reductant to a vehicle from a fuel dispensing station are disclosed which allow for providing both fluids to a vehicle equipped with a fuel and reductant tank and allows for providing only fuel to a vehicle without a reductant tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Derek Albert Channing
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Publication number: 20020056486Abstract: A device for storing and mixing an injectate includes a fluid holder removably coupled to an ampoule. The fluid holder initially contains a fluid and the ampoule initially contains a dry reagent. A breakable membrane may be included between the fluid holder and ampoule to prevent the undesirable mixing of the fluid with the dry reagent. Upon application of force to a plunger rod disposed within the fluid holder, fluid is introduced into the ampoule wherein it is mixed with the dry reagent to create an injectable mixture. Air or gas present in the ampoule may be removed therefrom; the fluid holder may be decoupled from the ampoule; and the ampoule may be further coupled to a needle-less injector for administration of an injection of the mixture. The device is particularly useful for lyophilized pharmaceuticals that rapidly lose medicinal efficacy once in solution form.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Applicant: PENJET CORPORATIONInventor: Thomas P. Castellano
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Patent number: 6382265Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for filling a double-wall receptacle, more particularly a double-wall tube. For this purpose the tube features an inner and outer chamber which are filled at an open axial end of the tube with a solid, fluid or pasty bulk mass. During filling the inner wall and/or the outer wall is deformed at least in the portion of the open axial end of the tube at at least one point transversely to the axial direction so that the distance between the inner wall and the outer wall at at least one location of the circumferential portion of the outer chamber is larger than in the original non-deformed circumferential portion. Accordingly a filler nozzle is inserted into the outer chamber at the location of the enlarged distance between inner wall and outer wall, the outer diameter of the filler nozzle being larger than the distance between said inner wall and outer wall in the original non-deformed circumferential portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Peter Weckerle
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Patent number: 6374868Abstract: A system is disclosed which includes an insert installed in the fuel filler neck on board a vehicle. The insert ensures that only nozzles dispensing both fuel and reductant are allowed to couple with the filler neck.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Derek Albert Channing
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Patent number: 6371172Abstract: A system and process for packaging fluid products such as milk and other beverages is disclosed. The fluid product is produced when required and in response to a customer order. For example, milk is received and stored in a raw milk storage silo and separated into two varieties having different butter fat content. A customer order is processed and the system creates labels and fills containers or bottles exactly to meet the customer requirements. The products are palletized and loaded for shipment to the customer. Preferred filling equipment locates a container on a load cell to measure a predetermined amount of the first variety of milk into the container. The container is then filled with a second variety of milk by weight, if necessary, before capping. A supervisory control system directs bottle making, labeling, filling, bundling, and palletizing with virtually no inventory of empty bottles, preprinted labels, finished or prepackaged product inventories.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory J. Watkins, Gregory M. Soehnlen
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Patent number: 6363977Abstract: A modular container filling apparatus includes a simple pilot valve which can be operated by a push button, a bottle-engaging yoke, or a manual valve at the distal end of a bucket filling hose. The modular construction of the apparatus allows a plurality of units to be mounted side by side on a modular water manifold by bayonet-type sealing connections. An anti-foam venturi and spout mixes chemicals with the water and minimizes foaming when filling a bottle. A plurality of chemicals can be selected by a rotational selector without intermixing.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Knlght, Inc.Inventors: Donald W. Smeller, Christopher W. Nesselroad, Richard I. Yanez
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Patent number: 6355290Abstract: A process for making and packaging multi serving ice cream products using cryogenic hardening of ice cream in consumer containers before the containers are closed and labeled. A plastic tray container which is stable when disposed horizontally or vertically provides better processing and an improved package for both retailers and consumers.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory M. Soehnlen, Dale A. Panasewicz
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Patent number: 6354338Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for supplying an ice water-containing bag for use in icing. The apparatus includes an ice machine, an ice storing section for storing ice manufactured by the ice machine, ice packing means for packing the ice stored in the ice storing section in a bag having a water resistance, water supplying means for supplying water into the bag, sealing means for sealing an opening of the bag in which ice and water has been put, a belt conveyer for carrying the bag containing ice and water, a controller for controlling the respective means to be activated/suspended, and ice-water manufacturing instructing means connected with the control means, for sending an instruction for manufacturing the ice water-containing bag.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Inventor: Yoshinori Takemoto
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Publication number: 20020026963Abstract: Each of batch processing lines has its exclusive one set material processing line independent from others is operated according to the special algorithm which changes amount to be prepared in the batch process in a few batches in the final stage of the downstream process based on a calculated total amount required by the downstream process to complete manufacturing. The invention is capable of easily coping with the change of raw materials or prescriptions for the product without increasing or changing existing pipe lines or chemical liquid stock vessels and almost completely avoiding a waste of material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.Inventors: Shingo Yamauchi, Shinichiro Kuwabara
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Patent number: 6349850Abstract: A method comprising the following steps: preparing in a vacuum a dry form (18) of an active principle, as well as a liquid (22), and drawing this liquid into the dry form, by the action of the vacuum to obtain an injectable preparation. The device comprises a gastight syringe (19) to condition under vacuum the dry form, a reservoir (12) containing the liquid (22) and a cap (29) forming a connector between the syringe and the liquid reservoir, the injection needle (25) of the syringe being driven into the septum (24) of the cap (29). The invention enables a preparation which is directly injectable by an automatic rehydration step to be obtained; indeed, after activation, the extemporaneous preparation is automatic since the device elements move by themselves under the action of the liquid which is drawn by suction into the volume under vacuum containing the solid formulation (18).Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Societe de Conseils de Recherches et D'Applications Scientifiques SCRASInventor: Roland Cherif Cheikh
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Patent number: 6345650Abstract: A repair device and method comprising a canister having an internal cavity, an input connecting valve, an output connecting valve, and an output hose for purposes of inflating a pneumatic device such as a flat tire. The utility of this device is as a readily available bridge to connect a deflated tire with any available air source such as an inflated tire. A sealing mixture may be stored in the internal cavity of the canister for injection into a leaking or flat tire to effect repairs by sealing any leaks. When attached between an inflated tire and a flat tire, the sealing mixture is injected into the flat tire by the pressure of the inflated tire and the flat tire may then be inflated.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Inventors: Robert W. Paasch, Keith A. Paasch
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Publication number: 20020011277Abstract: A device for maintaining ingredients separately within a container, of the type having a removable container cap applied on a neck with a central opening, has a sub-container body mounted in the container neck which is formed with a proximate end having screw threads which can be engaged with internal screw threads in the container neck for holding them securely together to allow the ingredients to be shaken out of the sub-container body and mixed with fluid in the container. The sub-container body can have inner divider walls forming multiple compartments with respective orifices for dispensing ingredients selectively from the compartments. The sub-container body may be sealed to the underside of the cap with a sealing film, or seated on the neck rim and held by the cap. In one version, the proximate end of the sub-container body has a protruding shape with inclined walls for guiding it into the neck opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventor: James A. Castillo
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Publication number: 20010045240Abstract: A system and process for packaging fluid products such as milk and other beverages is disclosed. The fluid product is produced when required and in response to a customer order. For example, milk is received and stored in a raw milk storage silo and separated into two varieties having different butter fat content. A customer order is processed and the system creates labels and fills containers or bottles exactly to meet the customer requirements. The products are palletized and loaded for shipment to the customer. Preferred filling equipment locates a container on a load cell to measure a predetermined amount of the first variety of milk into the container. The container is then filled with a second variety of milk by weight, if necessary, before capping. A supervisory control system directs bottle making, labeling, filling, bundling, and palletizing with virtually no inventory of empty bottles, preprinted labels, finished or prepackaged product inventories.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory J. Watkins, Gregory M. Soehnlen
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Patent number: 6321800Abstract: A powder pressing apparatus includes a powder feeding apparatus for supply of a powder such as a rare-earth alloy powder into a cavity of a tooling. The powder feeding apparatus includes a feeder box having a bottom face provided with an opening. Inside the feeder box, there are provided a hopper for supply of the powder into the cavity, a feeder for supply of the powder to the hopper, and a vibration generator for vibration of the hopper. Surfaces of the feeder and hopper to contact the powder are mirror-polished. Leg portions are provided in two sides of the bottom face parallel to a moving direction of the feeder box. The leg portions make the bottom face of the feeder box spaced from an opening of the cavity. The powder supplied to the powder feeding apparatus is weighed by a weighing unit. The opening of the feeder box is provided with a linear member arranged in a grid pattern having a regular pitch. The linear member is rotationally shaken in a horizontal plane when the powder is fed into the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Sumitomo Special Metals Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Ogawa, Toshiaki Tamura
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Patent number: 6311740Abstract: A mixing chamber assembly which has a reciprocating rod (270) received within a mixing chamber of a mixing chamber member (28). The reciprocating rod (270) is in a non-interference position with the mixing chamber over its entire length within the mixing chamber. The non-interference fit provides for continuous solvent flow about the exterior of the rod and interior of the wall defining the mixing chamber such that solvent drips out the discharge end of the mixing chamber and the rod is free to float or ride on a film of solvent. The ability for the rod to ride on a film of solvent over the entire portion received within the mixing chamber, allows for a much reduced reciprocating motive force requirement and a corresponding freedom to increase the mixing chamber volume.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Carpenter Co.Inventors: Charles A. Sperry, Vincent A. Piucci, Todd A. Hanna
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Publication number: 20010029995Abstract: A process for mixing an insecticide formulation with an injector system that uses water to mix, dilute and dispense the insecticide. An injector system that includes a water dilutable formulation, a means of mixing or agitating the concentrated formulation, a water source, an injector for the purpose of diluting and mixing the formulation with water at pre-selected ratios, and a means for delivering the mixed and diluted formulation to application equipment used to reduce populations of insects, pests or other nuisance organisms of public health importance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Larry D. Heller, Allen W. Wooldridge, William K. German
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Patent number: 6302162Abstract: An installation for the treatment of fluid having a receptacle (1) defining a non-vertical portion of a path for fluid through at least two adjacent masses (A; B; C) of particulate materials, typically different from each other, each mass being in direct contact with its neighbor or neighbors, without the interposition of a separating grid. The installation is particularly useful for the separation or drying of air.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Jean-Yves Lehman
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Patent number: 6302160Abstract: An apparatus for filling an ampule of a needle-less injector suitable for injecting liquid medication includes an ampule and a fluid holder. The ampule is for containing the fluid, and the fluid holder is for delivering the fluid. The fluid holder also includes a fluid plunger rod. The ampule is coupled to the fluid holder to provide fluid communication between the ampule and the fluid holder. The fluid plunger rod is depressed to load the fluid from the fluid holder into the ampule to fill the ampule. The ampule may further include an ampule plunger rod. After the ampule is loaded with fluid, the ampule plunger rod is depressed to expel bubbles back into the fluid holder from the ampule.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Pen Jet CorporationInventor: Thomas P. Castellano
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Patent number: 6302161Abstract: A process for mixing an insecticide formulation with an injector system that uses water to mix, dilute and dispense the insecticide. An injector system that includes a water dilutable formulation, a means of mixing or agitating the concentrated formulation, a water source, an injector for the purpose of diluting and mixing the formulation with water at pre-selected ratios, and a means for delivering the mixed and diluted formulation to application equipment used to reduce populations of insects, pests or other nuisance organisms of public health importance.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventors: Larry D. Heller, Allen W. Wooldridge, William K. German
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Publication number: 20010018935Abstract: An apparatus for filling an ampule of a needle-less injector suitable for injecting liquid medication includes an ampule and a fluid holder. The ampule is for containing the fluid, and the fluid holder is for delivering the fluid. The fluid holder also includes a fluid plunger rod. The ampule is coupled to the fluid holder to provide fluid communication between the ampule and the fluid holder. The fluid plunger rod is depressed to load the fluid from the fluid holder into the ampule to fill the ampule. The ampule may further includes an ampule plunger rod. After the ampule is loaded with fluid, the ampule plunger rod is depressed to expel bubbles back into the fluid holder from the ampule.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 1999Publication date: September 6, 2001Applicant: PEN JET CORPORATIONInventor: THOMAS P CASTELLANO
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Publication number: 20010018936Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for filling a double-wall receptacle, more particularly a double-wall tube. For this purpose the tube features an inner and outer chamber which are filled at an open axial end of the tube with a solid, fluid or pasty bulk mass. During filling the inner wall and/or the outer wall is deformed at least in the portion of the open axial end of the tube at at least one point transversely to the axial direction so that the distance between the inner wall and the outer wall at at least one location of the circumferential portion of the outer chamber is larger than in the original non-deformed circumferential portion. Accordingly a filler nozzle is inserted into the outer chamber at the location of the enlarged distance between inner wall and outer wall, the outer diameter of the filler nozzle being larger than the distance between said inner wall and outer wall in the original non-deformed circumferential portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Inventor: Peter Weckerle
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Publication number: 20010010238Abstract: A cassette is described including a housing, an inner reservoir located within the housing, a valve coupled to the inner reservoir and coupled to the housing, and a delivery conduit coupled to the inner reservoir and emerging from the delivery opening of the cassette. The cassette also includes a dispensing apparatus that defines a passage and has a first activating device that opens the valve of the cassette. The dispensing apparatus also has a second activating member capable of establishing fluid communication with a medicant container. A method of mixing a powdered drug and a liquid includes establishing fluid communication between the reservoir and the medicant container, dispensing at least a portion of the liquid into the medicant container, and transferring the mixed drug into the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Applicant: SIMS Deltec, Inc.Inventor: Gail Bynum
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Publication number: 20010008152Abstract: A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet, the first valve part further including a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve movably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part further includes an air inlet alignable with the air inlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle. The bottle with the valve cap is useable with a dispenser assembly for mixing a concentrated fluid from the bottle with a dilutant. A tamper resistant lock prevents undesired rotation of the second valve part relative to the first valve part.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2001Publication date: July 19, 2001Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Cathleen M. Arsenault, John J. Dyer
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Patent number: 6253808Abstract: A device for metering a pasty product and mixing the same with a solvent has an exchangeable packing drum containing the pasty product and arranged in a dimensionally stable container, and a vacuum metering device arranged below the container. An outlet of the packing drum which extends through a bottom opening in the container is coupled to a product inlet of the metering device. In order to ensure in a reliable manner that the pasty product exits the packing drum only when the packing drum is coupled to the metering device, to avoid product coming in contact with service personnel, the outlet of the packing drum is designed as an outlet spout. A tubular spout holder is provided in the area of the product inlet, and is fitted with an inner cutting element. The cutting element pierces the seal material covering the free end of the outlet spout, as the latter is installed on the tubular spout holder.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Guenther Amberg, Wolfgang Huber, Karsten Wolf, Klaus Rutz
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Publication number: 20010004908Abstract: A precision fine powder dispersing supply apparatus includes a fine powder storage vessel, a minute amount supply feeder, a supply device for supplying fine powder in the storage vessel to the minute amount supply feeder, and a discharging device for discharging the fine powder from the minute amount supply feeder to the subsequent process. It is preferable to dispose a heat unit to the transportation path of the fine powder discharged from the minute amount supply feeder. Further, it is preferable to dispose fine particle sensors to the minute amount supply feeder to confirm the feed operation of the fine powder. With this arrangement, the precision fine powder dispersing supply apparatus can stably supply the fine powder in a dispersed state in an ultra minute amount with pinpoint accuracy.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2000Publication date: June 28, 2001Applicant: NISSHIN FLOUR MILLING CO.Inventors: Kiyoshi Takahashi, Shuji Shinkai, Junichiro Hisazumi, Hiromitsu Suzuki, Hiroshi Murata
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Patent number: 6247507Abstract: A system and process for packaging fluid products such as milk and other beverages is disclosed. The fluid product is produced when required and in response to a customer order. For example, milk is received and stored in a raw milk storage silo and separated into two varieties having different butter fat content. A customer order is processed and the system creates labels and fills containers or bottles exactly to meet the customer requirements. The products are palletized and loaded for shipment to the customer. Preferred filling equipment locates a container on a load cell to measure a predetermined amount of the first variety of milk into the container. The container is then filled with a second variety of milk by weight, if necessary, before capping. A supervisory control system directs bottle making, labeling, filling, bundling, and palletizing with virtually no inventory of empty bottles, preprinted labels, finished or prepackaged product inventories.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory J. Watkins, Gregory M. Soehnlen