Lever Operated Patents (Class 220/321)
  • Patent number: 10688278
    Abstract: A medical probe, consisting of a flexible insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity of a patient, and a distal tip, which is disposed at the distal end of the flexible insertion tube is configured to be brought into contact with tissue in the body cavity. The probe also includes a coupling member, which couples the distal tip to the distal end of the insertion tube and which consists of a tubular piece of an elastic material having a plurality of intertwined helical cuts therethrough along a portion of a length of the piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel), Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Assaf Govari, Yaron Ephrath
  • Patent number: 10386167
    Abstract: Ammunition containers incorporate an advanced sealing/latching arrangement as well as a lightning mitigation scheme that exhibits a number of advantageous features. A cover assembly is provided that separates the latching functionality from the sealing functionality such that the latching assembly is rotatably engaged and the cover seal is provided via radial (rather than axial) compression of an annular sealing component. In addition, a novel lightning mitigation system also functions as a convenient method of grasping and transporting the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: General Dynamics—OTS, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Noble
  • Patent number: 10350524
    Abstract: A filter device has a filter housing and a clamping bracket engaging around the filter housing. The clamping bracket includes a bracket and a clamping collar that are swivelably coupled by a hinge, the bracket and the clamping collar being positively connected adjacent to the hinge through the engagement of a projection into an engagement window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventors: Madhu Kumar Rajagopal, Prashanth Mari Ambanna
  • Patent number: 9803805
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a portable gas cylinder includes a first handle portion, a second handle portion and first and second locking members. The first handle portion includes an ergonomically configured upstanding gripping handle and a semi-circular shroud portion configured to couple to a first section of an upper portion of a portable gas cylinder. The second handle portion includes an ergonomically configured upstanding gripping handle and a semi-circular shroud portion configured to couple to a second section of the upper portion of the portable gas cylinder. First and second locking members are configured to selectively locking the first and second handle portions to one another about a periphery of the upper portion of the portable gas cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: AMTROL Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Tiago Oliveira
  • Patent number: 9669969
    Abstract: An openable securing ring for holding a lid or similar closure on a container has a latch mechanism arranged to secure ends of the ring releasably together at a circumferential break. A circumferentially extending recess is provided at a radially inner portion of the latch mechanism so that the radially inner portion is of reduced axial external thickness and provides relief for stable stacking of a first container on top of a second container when the securing ring is attached to the second container. A radially inner edge of a locking lever side wall may lie radially outward of the inner diameter of one ring end to define at least part of the reduced thickness radially inner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: GREIF INTERNATIONAL HOLDING BV
    Inventor: Dale Taylor
  • Patent number: 9027775
    Abstract: A lock ring for securing a lid to a container has a ring shaped body with a first end and a second end. A clamping pin is exposed near the first end and a lever is connected near the second end and has a hook thereon configured to engage the clamping pin. The lever is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The hook is configured to selectively engage the clamping pin and draw the first and second ends to one another with the lever moved to the closed position and capable of disengaging the clamping pin the lever in the open position. The body, lever, and lock pin are integrally formed of a one-piece unitary structure and the lever is connected via a living hinge to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Container International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard P. Brandt
  • Patent number: 9028146
    Abstract: A connection assembly for connection to the mouth of a flexible container comprising of an inner ring having an inner flange around its external diameter and an outer ring having a recess around its inner diameter sized to engage the inner flange. The inner and outer rings being adapted to interengage to trap the mouth between the inner and outer rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Ezi-Dock Systems Limited
    Inventor: Michael R. Brimson
  • Publication number: 20150034651
    Abstract: A securing ring for holding a lid or similar closure on a container has a latch lever which is movable between an open position in which first and second ends of the ring are separated and a closed position in which the first and second ends are drawn closer together. The latch lever is connected to the first end of the ring by a flexible connection such as a living hinge or ligament. The latch lever in the closed position is at least partially overlappingly received against the first end of the ring. The latch lever may be connected to the ring second end by a pivotable connection of various forms and preferably operates with an overcentre action. Arrangements for stress transfer directly between the closed ring ends are also described. The resulting latch mechanisms are of low profile and may be moulded from plastics materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Dale Taylor
  • Publication number: 20150028036
    Abstract: An openable securing ring for holding a lid or similar closure on a container has a latch mechanism arranged to secure ends of the ring releasably together at a circumferential break. A circumferentially extending recess is provided at a radially inner portion of the latch mechanism so that the radially inner portion is of reduced axial external thickness and provides relief for stable stacking of a first container on top of a second container when the securing ring is attached to the second container. A radially inner edge of a locking lever side wall may lie radially outward of the inner diameter of one ring end to define at least part of the reduced thickness radially inner portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Dale Taylor
  • Publication number: 20150014318
    Abstract: A securing ring for holding a lid or similar closure on a container includes a ring end having a radially outer surface. A latch lever is mounted by one end to the radially outer surface by a pivotable connection. The radially outer surface is recessed to at least partially accommodate the pivotable connection, thereby reducing the radial profile of the ring latching mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Greif International Holding BV
    Inventor: Dale Taylor
  • Patent number: 8820565
    Abstract: A closure (10) for sealing fluid within a pressure vessel having a hub (70) with an opening therein includes a door (12) and a plurality of clamp ring segments (14) for fitting over an exterior portion of both the closed door and the hub. A plurality of interconnecting members (18) connect ends of adjacent clamp ring segments, and an actuator mechanism (20) moves the plurality of clamp ring segments into and out of engagement with the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Robbins & Myers Energy Systems L.P.
    Inventors: Saeed A. Akhund, Jarrod S. Robertson, Michael J. Chiles, Barry G. Jansma, Steven W. Curry, Mark C. Euwer
  • Patent number: 8763839
    Abstract: A pressure container is provided with a container body, a container lid, and a band coupling. The band coupling is provided with a retainer capable of engaging with the outer peripheries of a first flange section and a second flange section, and also with a tightening mechanism for tightening the retainer. The retainer has a first end section forming one end to which the tightening mechanism is connected, and also has a second end section forming the other end which is bent outward and faces the first end section when the retainer is tightened. The tightening mechanism is provided with a stopper rotatably mounted to the first end section of the retainer, and also with a pressing bolt engaged through thread with the stopper so as to be able to advance and recede and pressing the second end section to the first end section side with the retainer engaged with the first flange section and the second flange section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigemitsu Sakairi
  • Publication number: 20140014661
    Abstract: A two piece clamping ring and lever system for retaining removable lids to containers comprises a split circular ring. The ring first end includes outwardly extending receiving hooks. The second end of the ring includes pivot bosses comprising a pivot shaft and enlarged button. A lever with pivot shafts engages with the ring first end. When the lever is closed contact surfaces on an inwardly projecting transverse beam on the underside of the lever and outwardly projecting beams on the ring first end engage to relieve stresses on the lever pivot shafts and ring first end pivot receiving hooks. A second stress transfer relationship is engaged as an inwardly facing transverse beam extending between the sidewalls of the ring second end is slideably engaged into corresponding receiving channels outwardly facing from the ring first end thereby relieving stresses on the pivot bosses and corresponding longitudinally extending lever bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: AMERICAN FLANGE & MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventor: Dale W. TAYLOR
  • Patent number: 8540102
    Abstract: A two piece clamping ring and lever system for retaining removable lids to containers comprises a split circular ring. The ring first end includes outwardly extending receiving hooks. The second end of the ring includes pivot bosses comprising a pivot shaft and enlarged button. A lever with pivot shafts engages with the ring first end. When the lever is closed contact surfaces on an inwardly projecting transverse beam on the underside of the lever and outwardly projecting beams on the ring first end engage to relieve stresses on the lever pivot shafts and ring first end pivot receiving hooks. A second stress transfer relationship is engaged as an inwardly facing transverse beam extending between the sidewalls of the second end is slideably engaged into corresponding receiving channels outwardly facing from the ring first end thereby relieving stresses on the pivot bosses and corresponding longitudinally extending lever bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: American Flange & Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Dale W. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130037544
    Abstract: A lock ring for securing a lid to a container has a ring shaped body with a first end and a second end. A clamping pin is exposed near the first end and a lever is connected near the second end and has a hook thereon configured to engage the clamping pin. The lever is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The hook is configured to selectively engage the clamping pin and draw the first and second ends to one another with the lever moved to the closed position and capable of disengaging the clamping pin the lever in the open position. The body, lever, and lock pin are integrally formed of a one-piece unitary structure and the lever is connected via a living hinge to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Container International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard P. Brandt
  • Patent number: 8251243
    Abstract: A closure (100) having a hub (102) and pivotally connected head (104). The head is locked in a closed position within the hub by a locking ring (106). The locking ring is polygonal in shape and includes a substantially cylindrical surface and a conical surface. The device further includes a pressure warning device (126) which has a secondary function as a locking mechanism inhibiting unintentional opening of the head when the system is pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sypris Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua A. Haibel
  • Patent number: 8251238
    Abstract: A closure device includes a door carrying a series of interconnected shear blocks and a keystone shear block designed to transfer stresses created by pressure acting on the door to a surrounding hub. Each interconnected shear block has a limited rotation relative to its adjacent blocks. A holding band operating handle is in communication with a driving link which, in turn, is in communication with the keystone shear block. Actuating the handle causes the keystone shear block to move in an upward vertical direction. The linear movement of the keystone shear block allows the limited rotation of the interconnected shear blocks to occur, thereby causing the circumferential holding band to collapse within itself from an expanded-engaged position to a contracted-removed position relative to said hub. A pressure warning lock provides a safety device and prevents actuation of the holding band operating handle when the pressure chamber is under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: TDW Delaware Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Smith, Eric N. Freeman, Graham Christopher Stilwell, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Gregory Allen Langley, Scott Douglas Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110309081
    Abstract: A drum band assembly for securing a lid to a drum. The drum band assembly includes a band having a first free end and a second free end, means for removably attaching the band to the drum and means for attaching the lid to the band. The band and the means for removably attaching the band to the drum are structured and arranged to provide for the drum band assembly to fit a drum having varying diameters or a drum of varying volumes, e.g. 55 gallon or 30 gallon drums.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: NEW PIG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. Starr, R. Douglas Evans, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110095027
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching to an opening of a drum that includes a lid, a base for attaching to the opening of the drum, a circular inner wall formed on the base, a circular outer wall formed on the base and extending between the base and the lid, the circular outer wall being circumferentially spaced about the circular inner wall and defining an open space therebetween, and an exhaust opening formed on an outer surface of the circular outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Starr, R. Douglas Evans, JR., Beth P. Powell
  • Patent number: 7913717
    Abstract: The invention can be used in pipelines, any devices, man holes and arrangements, at any pressures and working conditions for closable large-diameter pipes. The object of the present invention is to improve serviceability of a gate. The inventive gate comprises a lid consisting of a flange and a bottom which is caved-in inwards the pipe, a sleeve provided with a supporting ring which is welded to the bottom, arresting elements in the form of sectors inserted into a circular recess of the pipe when they are radially displaced on the flange along clamping bolts and on the supporting ring by the action of the inclined surface of a drive nut, are arranged on the end face of the flange and on the supporting ring. The nut is embodied in the form of a truncated pyramid provided with T-slots on lateral surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: Ilmer Yusupovich Khasanov, Snezhanna Vyacheslavovna Glukhovteva, Yuri Alexeevich Cherinkh, Vitaly Ivanovich Surikov, Ulfat Nurlygayanovich Sabirov
  • Patent number: 7878361
    Abstract: In a locking device for the fixation of a lid (1) on an opening (8) of a pressure container with at least two locking segments (5) displaceable at right angles to the axis of the opening 98), which segments (5) bear protrusions (6) and groove-like recesses along their circumference, which in the locked position cooperate with recesses (7) and protrusions along the brim of the opening (8), the displacement actuator (4) of the segments (5) is linked to the segments (5) and to at least one point of application that is on the lid (1) or on a member (3) connected to the lid (1). The segments (5) are arranged in the direction of the circumference of the lid (1) and are pivotably supported on the lid (1) by a swivel arm (16), separate from the displacement actuator (4), being interposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Natex Prozesstechnologie GesmbH
    Inventors: Peter Meindl, Franz Lang, Eduard Lack, Ernst Glanz, Helmut Seidlitz, Albert Trukses
  • Patent number: 7850751
    Abstract: Disclosed is a two or three phase separator including a centrifugal separator, a demister (if a three phase separator), and a filter contained within a housing. The filter uses an outside-in flow principle. The filter includes an inner layer or a center core that defines a hollow interior. An outer layer is positioned adjacent and surrounding the inner layer. The outer layer includes a re-enforcement layer, a first particle filter layer, a coalescer layer, and a second particle filter layer. An access cover of the separator includes a cover plug, an actuator cam, a plurality of idler cam plates, and a plurality of mechanisms. The access cover cooperates with an opening and an annular groove in the housing to close off and seal the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: TM Industrial Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl A. Steiner
  • Patent number: 7802827
    Abstract: A closing ring for a container and lid combination for securing the lid to the container includes a ring body having first and second free ends to be drawn together in order to secure the lid to the container. A link clevis and a lever clevis are welded to the free ends. A link is pivotally connected to the link clevis. A lever is pivotally connected to the lever clevis. The linkage arrangement is completed by connecting the link to the lever at a third pivot connection. A movable locking projection is assembled to the lever clevis for engaging the lever during an opening attempt wherein this engaging prevents the opening of the ring body until the movable locking projection is moved out of its engaging position relative to the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventors: Dyke T. Easterday, Mark E. Scheibelhut, Thomas Triner, Thomas P. Kasting
  • Publication number: 20100206878
    Abstract: A closure (100) having a hub (102) and pivotally connected head (104). The head is locked in a closed position within the hub by a locking ring (106). The locking ring is polygonal in shape and includes a substantially cylindrical surface and a conical surface. The device further includes a pressure warning device (126) which has a secondary function as a locking mechanism inhibiting unintentional opening of the head when the system is pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Joshua A. Haibel
  • Patent number: 7775390
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking vessel (1), particularly a steam pressure cooker, comprising a pot-like container and a lid (3) provided for pressure-tight sealing of the container. The container displays a circumferential, outwardly bent or flanged pot edge. Clamping jaws (6) are provided on the lid (3), which serve as locking segments and can be moved into an open or locked position parallel to the plane of the pot edge (5), where the clamping jaws (6) reach under the pot edge in locked position. The invention is characterized by the fact that the clamping jaws (6) each extend over almost half the circumference of the lid (3) and that the clamping jaws (6) are mounted in a manner permitting pivoting movement about a pivot (12) extending parallel to, and at a distance from, the longitudinal centre line of the container (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Gero Vertriebs GmbH
    Inventors: Mario de Bastos Reis Portugal, Peter Rommerskirchen
  • Patent number: 7770750
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel intended in particular for treating articles under pressure, the vessel comprising a body, at least one lid, and connection means between said body and said at least one lid. According to the invention, the connection means comprise: an open clamping ring having a U-shaped section defining a groove suitable for clamping together the flanges of the lid and the body; and engagement-and-disengagement means enabling the clamping ring to be deformed and moved relative to the flanges in such a manner as to enable the vessel to be opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: ECODAS, Societe par Action Simplifiee
    Inventor: Jaafar Squalli
  • Publication number: 20100072204
    Abstract: A closure device includes a door carrying a series of interconnected shear blocks and a keystone shear block designed to transfer stresses created by pressure acting on the door to a surrounding hub. Each interconnected shear block has a limited rotation relative to its adjacent blocks. A holding band operating handle is in communication with a driving link which, in turn, is in communication with the keystone shear block. Actuating the handle causes the keystone shear block to move in an upward vertical direction. The linear movement of the keystone shear block allows the limited rotation of the interconnected shear blocks to occur, thereby causing the circumferential holding band to collapse within itself from an expanded-engaged position to a contracted-removed position relative to said hub. A pressure warning lock provides a safety device and prevents actuation of the holding band operating handle when the pressure chamber is under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis R. Smith, Eric N. Freeman, Graham Christopher Stilwell, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Gregory Allen Langley, Scott Douglas Nelson
  • Patent number: 7665485
    Abstract: A closing system for pressurized pipes, includes an annular supporting structure, designed to be secured to one end of the pipe, a closing hatch mounted on the annular support, and elements for locking the hatch including a locking ring inserted into an annular cavity in the support to lock the hatch, wherein the inside edge of the hatch is tapered to form an inclined wall for coupling to a corresponding inclined wall in the annular support. The collapsible ring includes a number of sectors, one of which is fixed and integral with the hatch, while the others are hinged to the adjacent sectors, so that they can rotate on a plane parallel with the hatch until they exit from the annular seating and allow the hatch to open. The hatch is opened and closed simply by rotating it around a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Fulgosi S.r.l.
    Inventor: Davide Fulgosi
  • Publication number: 20090294449
    Abstract: A two piece polymer clamping ring and lever system for retaining removable lids to containers. The clamping ring comprises a split circular ring, having an inwardly opening generally U-shaped channel formed of polymeric material, having first and second ends, an outer circumferential wall and oppositely disposed inwardly facing sidewalls. The ring first end including a plurality of outwardly extending receiving hooks, a plurality of outwardly facing receiving channels, and a plurality of outwardly extending stress transfer beams. The ring has an oppositely disposed second end including a flared region with mutually inwardly facing internal surfaces slideably moveable in adjacency over the outwardly facing side surfaces of a lever. The inwardly facing sidewalls of the second end of the ring include an inwardly facing transverse beam extending between the sidewalls and inwardly extending pivot bosses comprising a pivot shaft and enlarged button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Dale W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7533699
    Abstract: The present invention provides an end cap sealing system for sealing an open piping end. The end cap sealing system includes an end cap having an end cap core. The end cap core has a generally cylindrical end with a circumferential groove formed around the exterior thereof and a closed end that defines a generally circular rim. An o-ring is positioned within the groove for sealingly engaging an interior wall of the piping open end. The end cap sealing system also includes a generally circular clamp having a channel formed therein for capturing the rim and a flange formed on the check valve. The o-ring being spaced-apart from the rim of the end cap core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Conbraco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Eugene Cellemme, Phillip Theodore Yontz, Jamie Lee Quinlan
  • Publication number: 20090084791
    Abstract: A pressure closure having a round door with an arcuate locking ring having a plurality of arcuate locking ring segments connected by at least one connecting ring movably retained therewith proximate an outer circumference of an outer surface of the door. The locking ring segments may have at least one cavity extending through the arcuate length thereof. An arcuate connecting ring extends through each cavity in the locking ring segments retaining them together to form the locking ring. Alternatively, the connecting ring connects the locking ring segments together with connecting ring retaining links cooperating with the connecting ring and locking ring segments. Optionally, the cross-sectional configuration of the connecting ring is rounded. Advantageously, the optional at least one cavity extending through the locking ring segments has an axial opening extending the arcuate length of each locking ring segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Sypris Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Haibel
  • Publication number: 20080290092
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking vessel (1), particularly a steam pressure cooker, comprising a pot-like container and a lid (3) provided for pressure-tight sealing of the container. The container displays a circumferential, outwardly bent or flanged pot edge. Clamping jaws (6) are provided on the lid (3), which serve as locking segments and can be moved into an open or locked position parallel to the plane of the pot edge (5), where the clamping jaws (6) reach under the pot edge in locked position. The invention is characterised by the fact that the clamping jaws (6) each extend over almost half the circumference of the lid (3) and that the clamping jaws (6) are mounted in a manner permitting pivoting movement about a pivot (12) extending parallel to, and at a distance from, the longitudinal centre line of the container (FIG. 5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Mario de Bastos Reis Portugal, Peter Rommerskirchen
  • Patent number: 7341161
    Abstract: A closure assembly 10 contains positive and/or vacuum pressure within a pressure vessel 16 having a neck 12. A circumferential locking member 22 supported on a door 20 locks the door to the neck, and is radially moveable between an open position and a closed position. A seal 26 between the neck and the door maintains fluid-tight integrity. A lever or other hand powered operator may be used for moving the locking member between the open position and the closed position. The locking member may include locking segments interconnected to form the circumferential locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Robbins & Myers Energy Systems L.P.
    Inventor: Douglas J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 7051897
    Abstract: A closure assembly 10 contains positive and/or vacuum pressure within a pressure vessel 16 having a neck 12. A circumferential locking member 22 supported on a door 20 locks the door to the neck, and is radially moveable between an open position and a closed position. A seal 26 between the neck and the door maintains fluid-tight integrity. A lever or other hand powered operator may be used for moving the locking member between the open position and the closed position. The locking member may include locking segments interconnected to form the circumferential locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Robbins & Myers Energy Systems, L.P.
    Inventor: Douglas J. McGuire
  • Patent number: 6959831
    Abstract: A reusable sealable plastic drum incorporates a plastic drum body with a convex upper chime having a convex chime radius, a plastic lid having an annular, peripheral mating channel sized to accept the upper chime, the channel having an inner wall, an outer wall, a mouth for receiving the upper chime, and a base surface for engaging the upper chime, the base surface having a concave radius, which is matched to the convex chime radius, and a lockband surrounding the outer wall. Tightening of the lockband causes the concave base radius to fully engage the convex chime radius in a sealing relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Greif, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward M. Maslowski
  • Patent number: 6884325
    Abstract: A sealable lid assembly for a vacuum distillation apparatus has a lid pivotally and telescopically mounted to the vacuum distillation apparatus. Spaced-apart wheels are rotatably mounted to the lid. Tracks are disposed on the vacuum distillation apparatus in a position to engage the wheels and raise the lid vertically above a manhole of the vacuum distillation apparatus upon pivotal movement of the lid, which is initiated by nominal physical exertion of a single operator. Extending outwardly from and adjacent the manhole is a flange. The flange has a channel to receive a gasket. A protrusion extends outwardly from a bottom of the lid in a position to extend into the channel and sealably engage the gasket when the wheels disengage the tracts. Clamp assemblies are provided to releasably engage the lid with the flange and draw the protrusion into sealable, releasable engagement with the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: IHS Solvent Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mabry, Donald R. McAllister
  • Patent number: 6540097
    Abstract: A cooking vessel has a container having an encircling container margin bent outwardly and with a cover having an encircling cover margin bent outwardly. The container can be closed airtight by the cover with the aid of a closing mechanism acting on the container margin and cover margin. The closing mechanism comprises a closure ring extending over the container circumference with a C-profile cross section open radially inwardly, which, with the aid of an actuating mechanism, can be moved from an open position with greater diameter, in which the cover can be lifted from the container, into a closed position with lesser diameter, in which the container margin and the cover margin are clamped together by interspacing a sealing ring between a lower flank and an upper flank of the closure ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: AMC International Alfa Metalcraft Corporation AG
    Inventors: Hans-JĂĽrgen Beck, Arnold Thelen, Uwe Dietrich
  • Patent number: 6401958
    Abstract: A pressurized vessel having a quick release lid closure system for clamping a vessel lid to a vessel container comprises an open hoop with spaced apart ends. The hoop carries a plurality of spaced apart clamped blocks which having wedge-shaped channels for mating engagement with opposing lugs on the lid and container. The spaced apart hoop ends are pulled towards one another to reduce the circumference of the hoop to move the clamp blocks onto the corresponding lugs and draw the lugs together to seal the lid to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: 3L Filters Ltd.
    Inventors: George T. Foss, Frank E. Heywood, William M. Maser
  • Patent number: 6164481
    Abstract: A spin spray shield connected with a bucket to thereby assist the bucket to retain centrifugal paint spray when a roller is cleaned with a spinning tool, without detracting from the funtionality of the bucket for other purposes. The spin spray shield generally includes an annular shield member for being selectively located selectively substantially entirely above the mouth of a bucket to thereby serve as a shield for retaining spin generated paint spray within the confines of the interior of the bucket, and further includes a guide member located adjacent the side of the bucket for guiding selective movement of the shield member with respect to the mouth of the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Timothy E. Geeham
  • Patent number: 6019240
    Abstract: A chime assembly shaped to fit on the upper opening of a drum to receive a top and a closing ring. The chime assembly comprises a top chime having a lower band with a slot shaped to receive the upper opening of a drum. The top chime has a top flange and an upper annular portion having an annular groove shaped to receive a sealing ring. The top flange comprises a substantially axially-extending wall and a substantially radially extending flange positioned to be engaged by the cover. The chime assembly further comprises a bottom flange comprising an annular lower side wall, an annular radially-inwardly extending support surface, and a downwardly-projecting annular glide ring to contact a support surface and thereby elevate the drum from the ground surface. The chime assembly is preferably entirely plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: SST Fiber Drums, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Legeza
  • Patent number: 5947320
    Abstract: A closure system including a polymeric split ring clamp and a polymeric lid for a polymeric drum. To maintain the integrity of the closure, the lid rim region is formed having an annular restraining notch which cooperates with twist inhibiting blocking components formed within the interior of a cooperating inwardly opening polymeric split ring clamp. The blocking component may be provided as a sequence of regularly spaced block-like protuberances located within the inward upwardly disposed region of the ring clamp. A secondary closure arrangement is provided with the split ring clamp which receives a polymeric banding strap to prevent one end of the split ring from disengaging with an associated pivot arm. When the split ring clamp is in a fully open or pre-clamping mode orientation, a capture groove is formed with the ring pivot shaft formed at one end of the split ring clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Containers Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Bordner, Bret D. Bordner, Richard P. Brandt
  • Patent number: 5941406
    Abstract: The object of this invention is a lidded barrel with a barrel lid and a clamping-ring closure. Between its flat lid plate and its outer rim, the barrel lid is provided with a circular, perimetric groove while also featuring in its periphery at least one bung well with or without a bunghole. When a barrel is dropped, the areas around the bung well are most vulnerable to breakage, i.e. it is in these areas that the barrel lid is most likely to slip out of the clamping ring with leaks resulting. In order to improve leak resistance of a lidded barrel, especially one suitable and approved for hazardous liquids, under extreme stress-load conditions, the area around the bung wells of the barrel lid is to be stress-relieved in the event of overstress (dropped barrel).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Mauser-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Dietmar Przytulla
  • Patent number: 5906289
    Abstract: The cover is intended for a container with an angled rim and has a sealing mechanism acting peripherally on the edge of the container. There is, around the edge of the cover, an open elastic metal sealing ring exerting a spring force which increases with the diameter of the sealing ring. In its position of rest the sealing ring is clamped between the end region of a part of the rim of the container and the end region of an annular angled section on the edge of the cover. The sealing mechanism comprises means for expanding the diameter of the sealing ring against said spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: AMC International Alfa Metalcraft Corporation AG
    Inventors: Hans Peter Aliesch, Kurt Muller, Pius Roosli, Hans Heinrich Walser
  • Patent number: 5839598
    Abstract: A blow molded combination lid and spill tray has a top wall and a downwardly depending skirt thereabout, the top wall formed from a pair of upper and lower circular walls. The upper and lower circular walls have a central feed circular recess, plurality of circumferentially spaced fused arcuate channels and plurality of second spaced fused arcuate channels with first and second circular hollow sections and first and second radial hollow sections, the hollow sections communicating with a hollow of the downwardly depending skirt. The lid when placed on a supporting surface with the skirt extending upwardly will contain a drum and accumulate spillage or drippage from the drum in the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Eagle Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Donald J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5823340
    Abstract: The invention concerns a sterilization container which is preferably intended for hospital waste and is formed by a bin (1) having a filler opening, which is delimited by the upper edge of the side wall (5) of the bin and is opposite the base (4) thereof, and a lid (2) for covering the filler opening. The bin (1), and possibly also the lid (2), consists of a tough plastics material which is permeable to microwaves and is still resistant to elongation above the boiling point of water. A pressure-tight sealing arrangement (20), disposed between the bin (1) and the lid (2), and a closure arrangement (3, 29), for securing the lid (2) on the bin (1) against the effect of internal pressure in the bin (1), ensure that the contaminated waste collected in this waste-collection container can be sterilized when the container has been hermetically closed and the waste has been moistened by microwave radiation and then disposed of in the sterile state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Nordpunkt AG
    Inventor: Willi Maihofer
  • Patent number: 5785201
    Abstract: A molded lid having an intermediate region configured as a sequence of waves, each of curved cross-section forming successively occurring crests and troughs, and exhibiting amplitudes increasing in value from the lid center toward the rim. The waves terminate at a ring band which is located to slide in adjacency with the inwardly disposed side of a plastic drum. The lid is provided with a polymeric gasket which is retained in position by a retainer band which is insertable in sliding compressive engagement within a retainer cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Container Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Bordner, Richard P. Brandt
  • Patent number: 5762227
    Abstract: A spreadable circular ring clamp has first, second and third clamp sections, which have inwardly directed upper and lower walls, which are secured together by connector strips that are secured to the outer surface of outer wall of the clamp sections. A locking device is provided to lock together locking ends of the first and second clamp sections. In unlocked position, the locking ends of the first and second clamp sections may be spread apart to open the clamp ring, while in locked position the clamp ring will provide sealing of a lid to a container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Eagle Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Donald J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5715965
    Abstract: A hatch in road or rail tanker (2) includes a hatch cover (7) mounted in a flange (8) of a compartment manhole (9). In order to prevent leaks from the hatch cover (7), a band (13) is welded to the top of the tank (2) around compartment manhole (9). The band (13) includes an outwardly concave flange (14) providing a groove for receiving a hatch sealing device (15). The hatch sealing device (15) includes a generally cylindrical rubber cylinder having an open end and a closed end closed by a seal membrane, also of rubber. Around the inside of the rim forming open end there is provided an internally extending lip shaped to fit into concave flange (14). Around the outside of the cylinder is provided a split ring of metal, the ends of which are drawn together in order to radially compress the cylinder and thus seal it around the flange (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Anti-Spill Technology PTY. Limited
    Inventor: Grahame James Goulding
  • Patent number: 5713482
    Abstract: A split ring clamp for retaining a lid upon an enclosure such as a plastic or fibrous drum is provided which is formed entirely of polymeric material such as a high molecular weight, high density polyethylene copolymer. The assemblage includes two parts, a channel-form split ring and a pivot arm joining the two ends of the split ring together over the rim structure of a container. One end of the ring supports an integrally formed pivot shaft receiving notch as well as an outwardly extending toe with a rearwardly disposed contact surface. The opposite side of the ring is formed having a receiver channel within which there is provided an inwardly depending toe with a rearwardly facing contact surface. The pivot arm is formed having a transversely disposed arm pivot shaft and a ring pivot shaft receiving notch having a shaft access opening which is outwardly disposed and extends to a shaft bearing surface. Such an arrangement permits a more thin profile for the ring and pivot arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Container Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Bordner, Bret D. Bordner, Richard P. Brandt, Marshall K. Blum
  • Patent number: 5590802
    Abstract: A salvage drum has a container body and circular lid which are sealed together by a clamp that secures an outwardly extending lip on the container body to an outwardly extending lip on the circular lid. The container body has a plurality of spaced outwardly extending vertical ribs adjacent the body lip and the circular lid has an outwardly extending protective shoulder which is arranged such that the clamp is protected from impact with the ground regardless of tipping over or dropping of the salvage drum. The clamp is also easily stored on and held on the container body ready for use in sealing of the salvage drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Eagle Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Donald J. Mitchell