Closure Controls Vent In Receptacle Patents (Class 220/360)
  • Patent number: 11786621
    Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing medical instruments that includes a body defining an interior volume and a lid connected to the body and configured to seal the interior volume between the lid and the body. The lid includes an exterior filter structure including a first plurality of ridges and a first plurality of troughs formed between the first ridges. The container includes a filter assembly connected to the lid and including an interior filter structure including a second plurality of ridges and a second plurality of troughs formed between the second ridges. The first plurality of ridges of the exterior filter structure are interposed between the second plurality of ridges of the interior filter structure. The exterior and interior filter structures are configured to form longitudinal channels positioned between the lid and filter assembly to define a rectangular tortuous filter path that inhibits ingress and egress from the interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: CareFusion 2200, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Cartwright, Brandon Toth, Benjamin Hopwood, Bradley Thomas Williams, Andrew VanDeWeghe, Atif Yardimci
  • Patent number: 11473492
    Abstract: A radiator filler neck for use with a radiator includes a core between upper and lower tanks and a pressure-valve radiator cap. The filler neck includes a hollow cylindrical body including a side wall between upper and lower openings. The upper opening includes an upper sealing seat for the radiator cap. The lower opening includes an internal sealing seat for the pressure valve of the radiator cap. The body has an interior within the side wall and between the upper and lower openings. An overflow aperture is provided in the interior of the body to permit transfer of overflow from the interior via an overflow passage to a concealed exterior overflow outlet; and the side wall does not include a visible exterior overflow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Benjamin Shane Crouch
  • Patent number: 11305926
    Abstract: A one-way valve, a food package comprising such a one-way valve and a method for manufacturing such a one-way valve is disclosed. The valve comprises a first membrane and a second membrane having a smaller surface area than the first membrane and furthermore being fixed to a bottom surface of the second membrane. The valve is furthermore adapted to be fixed to the food package and cover the aperture such that a canal is formed between the food package and the second membrane when a gas pressure inside the food package exceeds a threshold value, the canal extending from the aperture to the peripheral edge of the first membrane along the second membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: MICVAC AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Larsson, Johan Zetterberg
  • Patent number: 10611550
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a dent prevention structure of a food cooking container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dent prevention structure of a food cooking container, in which the dent prevention structure allows vapor produced from contents in the container to be discharged to the outside of the container through a discharge hole, and allows outside air to be supplied to an inner space part of the container through the discharge hole, thereby preventing the container from being dented inwards. The dent prevention structure being open at an upper part thereof to store food includes: an inner space part; a flange surface; a main sealing protrusion part; an auxiliary sealing protrusion part; a discharge hole; a sharp part; and protrusion guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: TAEBANG PATEC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hee Kook Chung
  • Patent number: 9750090
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus (1) comprises a base (7) comprising a lower heater (2) defining a bottom cooking surface (4) where a foodstuff (F) to be cooked can be positioned; a cover (8) closable onto the base (7) and comprising an upper heater (3) defining a top cooking surface (5) and a lifting system (16) for moving the upper heater to and from the lower heater when the cover is closed onto the base; a database (103) storing a plurality of selectable cooking programs each including one or more cooking phases each associated with corresponding cooking parameters including a temperature of the upper heater and a distance (d) of the top cooking surface from the bottom cooking surface; and a controller (18) configured to control the operations of the lifting system and the upper heater based on the cooking parameters of a selected program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Electrolux Professional S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Morassut, Michele Simonato
  • Patent number: 8985360
    Abstract: A cap for a drain hose and a plurality of bottles with different opening sizes is provided. The cap includes a main body and an extension body. The main body includes a main sleeve, a sleeve for drain hose and a leakage-proof part, wherein the main sleeve is for engaging with a first bottle, the sleeve for drain hose is for engaging with the drain hose, and the leakage-proof part is for closely sealing the opening of the first bottle. The extension body is formed integrally with the main body and extends outwardly from the main body, the extension body including an extension sleeve for engaging with a second bottle, the opening size of the second bottle being larger than the opening size of the first bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Yen-An Chen
  • Patent number: 8740011
    Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus that includes a vacuum vessel; an opening disposed in a wall of the vacuum vessel, through which a sample to be processed is taken in and out; a valve body disposed outside the wall for airtightly sealing the opening; and a drive unit driving the valve body to carry out a sealing or opening operation. The drive unit includes a first member coupled to an actuator that moves along a substantially linear first direction as a result of operation of the actuator, and a second member coupled to the first member that moves along a substantially linear second direction that intersects with the first direction. The valve body, coupled to the second member, seals the opening as a result of movement of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Tauchi, Akitaka Makino
  • Patent number: 8662334
    Abstract: A vacuum storage container having a container body, a check valve and a lid with an outer rim surrounding a diaphragm. A vacuum pump is engagable with the check valve to remove air from the interior of the container to create a vacuum in the container. The diaphragm is pushed inward by atmospheric forces upon removal of the air until the diaphragm touches and conforms to at least upper exposed surfaces of the contents of the container. The storage container aids in preventing degradation of the contents of the container by maintaining the contents free from the degrading effects of air and by substantially immobilizing the contents during movement of the container to protect the contents from breakage and bruising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Brian C. Dais
  • Publication number: 20130233856
    Abstract: The invention is a safety device (1) for fluid containers including at least two units (3) to be engaged with each other so as to define an inner volume adapted to receive said fluid under pressure, the safety device (1) comprising a closing system (4) defining a closed position in which said units (3) are combined together in a fluid-tight manner, and an open position in which they can be mutually moved, a vent member (5) suitable to enable the fluid under pressure (2) to come out of the container (2) or prevent the fluid from coming out, and at least one junction mechanism (14) adapted to operatively connect the vent member (5) to the closing system (4), and lock the closing system (4) to the closed position when the vent member (5) is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Vittorio FERRARESI
  • Patent number: 8528773
    Abstract: A valve stopper for sealing a vessel opening with a valve body which may be applied to the vessel opening made from a first rigid plastic material and a valve element integrally connected to the valve body made from a second elastic plastic material is disclosed. The valve element has a sealing surface section which may be brought into contact with a support edge and a connector piece, running from the sealing surface section which may be brought into contact with a support edge and a connector piece, running from the sealing surface section to support surface of the valve body facing the vessel opening and at a distance from the interposed valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Autobatterie GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Peter Streuer
  • Patent number: 8528767
    Abstract: An exemplary hydraulic reservoir includes a reservoir tank having an interior cavity for retaining a fluid and an aperture fluidly connecting the interior cavity to an exterior region of the reservoir. A cover selectively engages the reservoir tank, and is movable between an open position, wherein the fluid path through the aperture in the reservoir tank is at least partially open, and a closed position, wherein the fluid path through the aperture is substantially closed. The hydraulic reservoir further includes a pressure relief mechanism having at least one pressure responsive fastener for releasably connecting the cover to the reservoir tank. The at least one pressure responsive fastener includes a fastener fixed for concurrent movement with one of the cover and the reservoir tank, and a biasing member operably connecting the fastener to whichever of the cover and reservoir tank is not fixed for concurrent movement with the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Don R. Draper, Christopher T. Arneson
  • Patent number: 8516951
    Abstract: A cooking vessel top according to the present invention is presented in that at least the contact surfaces of the cooking vessel top with the different cooking vessels are formed from an elastic material, especially silicone, that the passage opening or passage openings have at least one flat closure part connected to the cooking vessel top, which in the rest state not in contact with the boiling or foaming liquid essentially closes the passage opening or passage openings allocated to it and can be moved into an opening position by the opening force that develops on contact with the boiling or foaming liquid, in which the passage opening or passage openings are at least partially released and is configured and connected to the cooking vessel top so that it offers a slight resistance to the opening movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Armin Harecker
  • Patent number: 8376165
    Abstract: A drink container with suction pipe is provided. The container comprises a container body, a cap assembly and a flexible straw; the cap assembly comprises an inner cap and a valve assembly which can open and close the passage between inside and outside of the container body by respectively extending and bending the flexible straw; and the cap assembly also comprises a venting switch assembly which comprises a venting valve hole mounted on the inner cap, a float venting valve, protrusions mounted respectively on both ends of the inner side of the slide sheet, and hollow portion mounted between two the protrusions. The float venting valve is movably mounted to the venting valve hole and comprises one or a plurality of elastic protrusions on its contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Yat San Chiang
  • Patent number: 8308022
    Abstract: A stopper for application to a container of the type with a base, an emptying duct, a lid, mounted on the base to pivot between an open and a closed position, a hinge with elastic return which holds the lid in the open position thereof and locking means, for locking the lid on the base. The stopper comprises positive unlocking means for the lid from the base, which are manually operated to provide a force to disengage the holding means. The base is a unitary construction and made from plastic material, the lid is made from the same plastic material and the leaf of the hinge is in an elastomeric plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: The Zebra Company
    Inventors: Bertrand Barre, Xavier Gibert, Francis Lepage
  • Patent number: 8286822
    Abstract: The invention provides a highly reliable plasma processing apparatus having stable sealing performance. The vacuum processing apparatus comprises a vacuum vessel having its inside decompressed; an opening disposed in a wall of the vacuum vessel for communicating the inside with the outside thereof and through which a sample to be processed is taken in and out; a valve body 701 disposed outside the wall for airtightly sealing or opening the opening; and a drive unit for driving the valve body to carry out the sealing or opening operation, the drive unit comprising a first member 705 coupled to an actuator 702 that moves along a substantially linear first direction as a result of operation of the actuator, a second member 706 coupled to the first member 705 that moves along a substantially linear second direction that intersects with the first direction, and the valve body 701 coupled to the second member that seals the opening as a result of the movement of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Tauchi, Akitaka Makino
  • Patent number: 8245869
    Abstract: Provided are a packaging container for a microwave oven that excels in the sealing performance between a container body and lid, and that at heating/cooking by a microwave oven, maintains the internal pressure of the container for a given period of time to thereby enhance the taste of contents through steaming effect, and that thereafter, can spontaneously open with certainty from a steam releasing seal part; and an efficient process for manufacturing the packaging container. In the packaging container for microwave oven having a lid heat-sealed to the periphery of a flange part of container body made of a synthetic resin so as to attain hermetic sealing, at least one steam releasing seal part with a weakened part is disposed inside the peripheral seal part of the flange part at a position separate from the peripheral seal part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisakazu Yasumuro, Shuuichi Nonaka, Osamu Gotou, Shie Nishimoto, Keizou Kanzaki, Kikuo Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 8225819
    Abstract: A includes a main body portion defining a waste holding chamber, a vent path extending from the waste holding chamber to atmosphere, and a float member. The float member is coupled to the tank for movement between a first position and a second position. The float member is movable from the first position to the second position in response to an increase in fluid level within the storage chamber. The vent passage remains open for venting the storage chamber when the float member is in the first position and is blocks the vent passage in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Hall, Sheryar Durrani
  • Publication number: 20120160851
    Abstract: A drink container with suction pipe is provided. The container comprises a container body, a cap assembly and a flexible straw; the cap assembly comprises an inner cap and a valve assembly which can open and close the passage between inside and outside of the container body by respectively extending and bending the flexible straw; and the cap assembly also comprises a venting switch assembly which comprises a venting valve hole mounted on the inner cap, a float venting valve, protrusions mounted respectively on both ends of the inner side of the slide sheet, and hollow portion mounted between two the protrusions. The float venting valve is movably mounted to the venting valve hole and comprises one or a plurality of elastic protrusions on its contact surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: YAT SAN CHIANG
  • Patent number: 8153216
    Abstract: A packaging (1) for a material that can be heated, especially microwave-heated, in the packaged state, which packaging has at least one sealing region (5) which becomes locally permeable when a predetermined internal pressure is exceeded. The or each sealing region of such a kind has at least one intended passage region (7, 9), which comprises a choke (9) for the contents of the packaging and an apex (7) pointing towards the interior of the packaging. As the choke there is used a channel-like, triangular or star-shaped interrupt ion or cut-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Huhtamaki Ronsberg, Zweigniederlassung der Huhtamaki Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Fenn-Barrabaβ, Gerhard Ricder
  • Publication number: 20110284541
    Abstract: Described is a bottle having bottle central part having a bottle base, an enclosed handle, and a bottle top with a bottle closure. A bottle closure has a forward directed pouring orifice and attached child-resistant closure means. A bottle closure has a venting means fluidly connected to the interior of the enclosed handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Judith Webster, Brandon C. Roy, Christian Krammer, Thomas Hlavacek, Thomas Zauser
  • Patent number: 7866502
    Abstract: A venting container including a lid and base having an inner cavity and a side wall that terminates in a rim, the lid including a central panel and a peripheral sealing lip that surrounds the panel, the peripheral sealing lip having a generally inverted U-shaped cross section that defines a lid channel into which the container rim fits, the sealing lip including at least one venting feature in the form of a flexible venting button that is adapted to transition from a first position to a second position upon application of an actuation force, the venting button being further adapted and positioned whereby when the container rim is positioned in the lid channel and the venting button is in the first position, sealed engagement of the lid to the container is effectuated and when the venting button is in the second position a venting air passage is provided from the container cavity to the container surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Jason R. Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20100314393
    Abstract: A valve stopper for sealing a vessel opening with a valve body which may be applied to the vessel opening made from a first rigid plastic material and a valve element integrally connected to the valve body made from a second elastic plastic material is disclosed. The valve element has a sealing surface section which may be brought into contact with a support edge and a connector piece, running from the sealing surface section which may be brought into contact with a support edge and a connector piece, running from the sealing surface section to support surface of the valve body facing the vessel opening and at a distance from the interposed valve element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Streuer
  • Patent number: 7832590
    Abstract: An insert for a multiple component container includes a reservoir with an opening defined by a peripheral edge which, in use, is connected to a sealing element (20). In use, the reservoir and the sealing element define a substantially sealed space. The reservoir includes a stationary portion (2) and a movable portion (4), which is connected to the stationary portion and is movable with respect thereto by the action of gas pressure within the reservoir. A discharge opening (6) is formed in the movable portion (4) and a gas leakage path is provided in the reservoir wall. A valve member (14) is connected to the stationary portion (2) and cooperates with the discharge opening (6) and substantially seals it. The application of a greater gas pressure to the interior of the reservoir than to its exterior results in movement of the movable portion (4) away from the stationary portion (2) and thus in the valve member (14) moving out of sealing contact with the discharge opening (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Carbonite Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Eric Smith, Karl Mondszein
  • Patent number: 7798347
    Abstract: A feeding bottle (10) comprises a container (16), a teat (12) and a collar (14) to screw the teat (12) onto and seal the container (16). A vent assembly (18) is mounted between the teat (12) and the container (16) and includes a vent tube (22) passing down to a position close to the base of the container (16) and having a one way valve (34) allowing air to pass into the container (16) on application of suction to the teat (12) but preventing liquid flowing into the vent tube (22), together with a valve flange (36) acting as an anti-choke member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Jackel International Limited
    Inventor: Arnold Edward Rees
  • Patent number: 7641069
    Abstract: The invention provides a highly reliable plasma processing apparatus having stable sealing performance. The vacuum processing apparatus comprises a vacuum vessel having its inside decompressed; an opening disposed in a wall of the vacuum vessel for communicating the inside with the outside thereof and through which a sample to be processed is taken in and out; a valve body 701 disposed outside the wall for airtightly sealing or opening the opening; and a drive unit for driving the valve body to carry out the sealing or opening operation, the drive unit comprising a first member 705 coupled to an actuator 702 that moves along a substantially linear first direction as a result of operation of the actuator, a second member 706 coupled to the first member 705 that moves along a substantially linear second direction that intersects with the first direction, and the valve body 701 coupled to the second member that seals the opening as a result of the movement of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Tauchi, Akitaka Makino
  • Patent number: 7552837
    Abstract: A packaging structure for a liquid container including a liquid containing portion accommodating liquid, a liquid supply portion for supplying the liquid to an outside and an air vent for fluid communication with an ambience, the packing structure includes a covering member for covering and sealing the liquid supply portion and the air vent; the covering member including; an air vent sealing portion for sealing the air vent and a liquid supply portion sealing portion for sealing the liquid supply portion, and a connecting region for covering a connecting side of the liquid container which connects the air vent sealing portion and the liquid supply portion sealing portion, wherein the liquid supply portion sealing portion effects non-adhering sealing for the liquid supply portion, and the connecting region provides a resistance against unsealing of the liquid supply portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nanjo, Masanori Takenouchi, Hajime Yamamoto, Eiichiro Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20080149638
    Abstract: A closure (1) for a container carrying a liquid comprises a first body (2) and a second body (3) mounted rotatably onto said first body, and a valve. The valve opens and closes by the action of tabs slidingly rotating over apertures provided in a member arranged transversely in a substantially cylindrical opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MONSANTO EUROPE N.V.
    Inventors: Steven Van Hees, Werner Sieverding, Sabine Gottke
  • Patent number: 7380683
    Abstract: The closure has a bung bushing (10) of elastic material which fits sealingly into the charging hole of the container. The bung bushing (10) has a central opening. A bung plug (18) is seated sealingly in the central opening. The bung plug (18) can be pushed out in the direction of the inside of the container. It is the valve member of a manually operable pressure-compensating valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Kurt Oberhofer, Karl Batschied
  • Patent number: 7303090
    Abstract: A packaging structure for a liquid container including a liquid containing portion accommodating liquid, a liquid supply portion for supplying the liquid to an outside and an air vent for fluid communication with an ambience, the packing structure includes a covering member for covering and sealing the liquid supply portion and the air vent; the covering member including; an air vent sealing portion for sealing the air vent and a liquid supply portion sealing portion for sealing the liquid supply portion and a connecting region for covering a connecting side of the liquid container which connects the air vent sealing portion and the liquid supply portion sealing portion, wherein the liquid supply portion sealing portion effects non-adhering sealing for the liquid supply portion, and the connecting region provides a resistance against unsealing of the liquid supply portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nanjo, Masanori Takenouchi, Hajime Yamamoto, Eiichiro Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7172089
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a chassis, an engine cooled with fluid via a coolant system and a filling connection for the coolant system, the filling connection is equipped with a filling opening, a removable closing cap for the filling opening and an overflow connection with a drain opening at one end, with the overflow being opened on removal of the closing cap. The filling opening of the filling connection is situated on a first side of a chassis wall, and the overflow connection with its outlet opening opens on the second side of the wall, i.e., on the side opposite the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernd Erich
  • Patent number: 7097065
    Abstract: A straw adapter 2 is removably disposed in the opening of a beverage container 1, and a straw 22 is attached to the straw adapter 2. A straw cap 12 is mounted on the straw adapter 2, for covering the straw attached to the straw adapter 2. Operations of the straw cap 12 opens and closes an air hole opening/closing valve 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Sumiyo Yoneoka, Kazunao Ogura, Momoe Kigushi
  • Patent number: 7097067
    Abstract: A hermetically sealable container with internal partial vacuum making facilities, comprising a base body with which a lid is hermetically associable, the lid having, at least in its peripheral region, an elastically flexible portion that has a groove arranged peripherally and open toward the edge of the base body. On the edge of the base body, at least one through hole is provided, arranged at a distance from the free border of the edge of the base body that is shorter than the depth of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Dionisio Scarabelli, Enrico Scarabelli, Marino Scarabelli
  • Patent number: 7048139
    Abstract: A vent insert with an integral carbon-to-carbon composite filter element is used to vent enclosures such as drums and convenience cans containing transuranic materials which generate hydrogen. The vent inserts do not utilize adhesive to retain filter elements therein but rather utilize a housing having a filter element support with a knife edge to form a seal and a press fitted lid. Both the housing and lid are formed of corrosion resistant HASTELLOY® C-22® alloy. The vent inserts resist HCl corrosion as well as corrosion induced by nitric acid and chlorinated solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Nuclear Filter Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Peterson, Terry J. Wickland
  • Patent number: 7034268
    Abstract: A self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine generally comprises a bag portion, a tray portion, and a venting configuration. The bag portion defines an opening for receiving a food product from a vertical fill automated machine, and the tray portion includes a floor having a surface for supporting the food product. Once the food has been delivered to the container, the opening is sealed, and the food product is maintained within the container and ready for subsequent cooking in a microwave oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Steamway Franchise Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Hopkins, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6877625
    Abstract: A closure member for a container, including a first member having a first set of threads with a predetermined pitch and a first orifice formed therethrough, and a second member having first and second sets of threads, both with the same pitch as the first set of threads of the first member, and a first orifice formed therethrough. When the threads of the first and second members are fully engaged, alignment between the first orifices formed through the first and second members occurs only when the first set of threads of the first member engages the first set of threads of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Matthew W. Alley
  • Patent number: 6789692
    Abstract: A container is provided having corresponding shells that mate together about a joint to create an enclosed airtight container. A valve seat is formed on the exterior of a shell adjacent the joint. The valve seat has an opening in communication with the container interior. A latch assembly is used to secure the shells in a closed position. The assembly includes a latch body which is attached to a shell by a hinge fastener close to said joint. The inside face of the latch body is provided with a valve gasket having a curved outer face that is aligned and sealingly engageable with the valve seat. When the latch is closed, the gasket will seal against the valve seat. When the latch is dislodged from its connection to the other shell, the gasket will be simultaneously removed from the valve seat and allow air to flow through the opening. This action permits equalization of any pressure differentials between ambient pressure and the pressure in the container interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Louis M. Prezelin
  • Patent number: 6755326
    Abstract: A lid member for an original container of a liquid paint component. The lid member is usable with a system for dispensing the paint component from its original container into a paint receptacle according to a paint formula to form a liquid paint mixture. The lid member includes a base portion that is adapted to releasably engage an open top of the paint component container. The base portion has a pour spout through which the paint component can be dispensed, and a movable cover element. The cover element is movable between a closed state, wherein the cover element covers the pour spout, and an opened state, wherein the pour spout is uncovered and the paint component can be dispensed from its original container and into the paint receptacle. A resilient seal mechanism is positioned between the pour spout and the movable cover element for preventing leakage of the paint component, upon tilting of the original container, out of the pour spout past the cover element in the closed state of the cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Arie Boers
  • Patent number: 6695000
    Abstract: A valve with an integral means for bleeding internal pressure prior to separation of a bonnet for the valve from its engagement with the valve body, provided by a bore through the valve body. This allows the internal pressure of the valve to equalize with atmospheric pressure prior to complete disassembly of the bonnet from the valve body. The bore through the valve body also serves as a leak detector, by providing a path for fluids passing through the valve to leak to the exterior of the valve body in the event of a failure of the seal between the bonnet and the valve body, which can readily be detected by passersby upon inspection of the exposed end of the bore at the exterior of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Randy Jerold Hall, Ronald Charles Burr, Mark Douglas Stiehl
  • Patent number: 6637477
    Abstract: A filler neck for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The inventive filler neck comprises a housing (12, 14) which has an outer closure (30) that can pivot between a closed and opened position and which has a second closure element (50) that is accommodated inside the housing. Said second closure element is interactively connected to a ventilating valve (16) which, in order to equalize pressure, automatically opens in the instance of excess pressure inside the fuel tank and opens when inserting the dispensing nozzle (100), said dispensing nozzle causing the closure element (50) to swivel open. The inventive filler neck is characterized by a lever (1) which is pivotally mounted on the housing (12). Said lever is actuated by the dispensing nozzle (100) when the same is inserted, and opens the ventilating valve (16) before the dispensing nozzle (100) causes the second closure element (50) to swivel open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Tesma Motoren und Getriebetechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Maier
  • Patent number: 6471082
    Abstract: A closure for threadable insertion within an opening of a drum and capable of venting the drum when exposed to elevated pressures and temperatures to prevent the build-up of explosive pressures within the drum. A center portion of the closure is molded with thinner dimensions allowing the center to distort as a result of heat and internal pressures. At elevated levels, the center portion ruptures venting internal container pressure. In order to ensure venting at proper levels while maintaining integrity for the transport of materials, the center portion includes a downwardly depending circular flange and a series of lugs on the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Duane Fritzinger
  • Patent number: 6349842
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatable cover which can be screwed or plugged on and is to be fastened on a stationary connection of a motor vehicle radiator or compensator reservoir of cooling and heating systems. The cover has a screw or plug cap and/or swivel cap and a rotatable engagement part in which a valve in the form of a combined overpressure/underpressure unit is arranged concentrically. The valve has a sealing member which produces a sealing connection with the stationary connection when the cover is applied. When the cover is positioned on the stationary connection, it is possible to prevent by means of a temperature-related control member removal, such as unscrewing or twisting of the cover. The temperature-related control member or a coupling part actuated by means of the temperature-related control member can be moved substantially radially between a coupling position and a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Heinrich Reutter
  • Patent number: 6109467
    Abstract: A closure arrangement of a container has fill socket with an inner thread and a closure cap with a cylindrical base body having an outer thread matching the inner thread of the fill socket of the container. The cylindrical base body has an annular flange adjacent to the outer thread. An annular seal, connected to one side of the annular flange facing the outer thread, is provided for sealingly resting on the rim of the fill socket when the closure cap is threaded into the fill socket. The outer thread has a resilient tongue extending in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body and has a radial projection cooperating with the abutment of the matching inner thread. The radial projection, when the closure cap is threaded into the fill socket, catches in a catch position behind the abutment before a fully closed position of the closure cap in the fill socket is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Harald Schliemann, Hans Nickel, Michael Marz, Savino Petruzzelli, Matthias Fleischer, Siegfried Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 6092685
    Abstract: A capless refueling assembly for opening and closing a filler neck of a gas tank. The refueling assembly includes a housing attached to the filler neck. A lid is pivotally mounted to the housing between open and closed positions for facilitating the opening and closing of the filler neck. A valve mechanism is movably mounted to the housing between seated and unseated positions for selectively releasing pressurized fluid from the filler neck. The refueling assembly is characterized by an actuation device automatically moving the valve mechanism from the seated position to the unseated position while the lid remains in the closed position. Accordingly, any pressurized fluid within the filler neck is vented to a safe area, preferably a carbon canister, before the lid is moved to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Tesma International Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert Gruber
  • Patent number: 6051263
    Abstract: A package is capable of enclosing a food product in two different gaseous atmospheres at different times. Initially, the food product may be packaged in a low oxygen atmosphere in order to prolong the shelf life of the product. When it is time to sell the product for example, it may be desirable to supply oxygen to the food product. In the case of red meats, the oxygenation process causes the meat to turn a bright red color. The package includes a tray covered by a film with a plurality of apertures formed in the tray. The package may be maintained at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. The apertures are covered by a bacterial barrier layer covered by resealable tape which can be removed to allow air ingress and then resealed to protect the integrity of the tray contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: World Class Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Gorlich, Robert F. McPherson, Jr., Robert C. James
  • Patent number: 5976655
    Abstract: A method of converting on a single line printing press, two webs of material into individual rolls of ribbons of dual-layered, peelably-bonded-together lids. One layer of each lid has dispensing holes formed therein, or otherwise is cut through to form plugs, and the other layer of each label is printed with selected indicia and/or logos. The resultant product is wound in multiple layers of ribbons, or so-called, "daisy chains" of dual-layered lids around cardboard cores ready for shipment to processors of food particles, such as salt or cheese, to be secured as individual covers on cup-like containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Label Makers, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Sykes
  • Patent number: 5944212
    Abstract: A container includes a container body, a cap member, a disk member and an evacuating unit. The cap member is mounted on a top open end of the container body and is rotatable about a vertical axis. The disk member is provided beneath and inside the cap member to sealingly close the top open end. The disk member has a downward hollow mounting portion in fluid communication with the top open end. The evacuating unit is operable by the cap member for evacuating air from the container body, and is coupled with the disk member. The evacuating unit has a piston mounted on the downward hollow mounting portion. The piston is movable upward and downward in the downward hollow mounting portion via rotation of the cap member so as to suck out air from the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Chin-Der Chang
  • Patent number: 5866184
    Abstract: A package is capable of enclosing a food product in two different gaseous atmospheres at different times. Initially the food product may be packaged in a low oxygen atmosphere in order to prolong the shelf life of the product. When it is time to sell the product for example, it may be desirable to supply oxygen to the food product. In the case of red meats, the oxygenation process causes the meat to turn a bright red color. The package includes a tray covered by a film with a plurality of apertures formed in the tray. The apertures are covered by a resealable gas impermiable tape which can be removed to allow air ingress and then resealed to protect the integrity of the tray contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: World Class Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Gorlich, Robert F. McPherson, Jr., Robert C. James
  • Patent number: 5775534
    Abstract: A beverage container in the form of an aluminium can has a top plate in which a dispensing aperture is formed by pulling a tab so as to inwardly displace a tongue portion. A filtering means is resiliently mounted within the container so as to be deployed at a location traversing the dispensing aperture after the tongue portion has been inwardly displaced. The filtering means may be a perforate plate and may have perforations defining a competition visual indication whereby the token becomes visible only after the container is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Michael Reginald Webb, Denis Matthews
  • Patent number: 5743425
    Abstract: A child resistant lid is disclosed for use in conjunction with the standard build bucket for containment of materials. There is provided a threaded capped access opening of sufficiently small dimension to prevent the passage of a child's head, yet of sufficiently great dimension to allow for access to the material contained within the bucket. In addition, there is provided a handle grasp member and tool grip to aid the user in opening the threaded capped access opening. When it is desired by the user to pour the material directly from the bucket, there is provided a pour spout formed on an outermost peripheral edge of the lid and an air inlet opening formed on the cap member. The lid member of the present invention has provided a permanent locking mechanism to aid the user in permanently attaching the lid member to the lipped edge found on buckets of the type to be used in conjunction with the lid and to further serve as a safety feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: John N. Ellis
  • Patent number: RE45375
    Abstract: A cooking vessel top according to the present invention is presented in that at least the contact surfaces of the cooking vessel top with the different cooking vessels are formed from an elastic material, especially silicone, that the passage opening or passage openings have at least one flat closure part connected to the cooking vessel top, which in the rest state not in contact with the boiling or foaming liquid essentially closes the passage opening or passage openings allocated to it and can be moved into an opening position by the opening force that develops on contact with the boiling or foaming liquid, in which the passage opening or passage openings are at least partially released and is configured and connected to the cooking vessel top so that it offers a slight resistance to the opening movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Armin Harecker