With Means To Prevent Escape Of Contents Through Vent Patents (Class 220/373)
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Patent number: 7211123Abstract: Device for the ventilation of a transmission case (11) that is normally intended to hold liquid lubricant for transmission components and includes a residual internal volume of air inside the transmission case that is connected to the atmospheric pressure by way of a passage. With the aim of reducing the quantity of dirt particles than can get into the transmission case by way of the said passage, the passage includes a first section (27) with a certain flow area and a second section (26) with, by comparison, an at least approximately 50% larger flow area. The first section (27) is situated between the atmosphere and the second section (26). A compressed air source (18) is connected to the passage between the internal volume of the transmission case (11) and the first section (27).Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventor: Sitg-Erik Johannesson
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Publication number: 20040182860Abstract: A seal container assembly includes a container body, a cover, a seal plate, and a sealing member. Thus, the seal container assembly can be assembled and disassembled easily and conveniently, thereby decreasing costs of assembly and disassembly of the seal container assembly. In addition, the enclosure of the sealing member is flexible so that it can be deformed to a determined extent to seal the ventilating hole of the cover closely and tightly, thereby enhancing the sealing effect of the seal container assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Ching-Teh Wu, Reh-Teh Wang
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Patent number: 6779694Abstract: A vented closure for a fluid container which will not freely pour includes a cap movable between open and closed positions relative to an annular base collar. The movable cap can be slidable to form a push-pull type closure, or can be rotatable to form a flip-type closure. In an open position, a primary liquid passageway extends through the closure to a dispensing opening. One or more air vents of small size are located in the base collar at positions spaced within a predetermined range of offsets from the dispensing opening. A divider is located to create a secondary liquid passageway to convey liquid directly into contact with the air vents which self-seal by surface tension of the liquid. The vent aperture can be protected by overlapping portions of the movable cap.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Inventor: John L. Young
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Publication number: 20040140308Abstract: A venting device for a drum. The venting device includes a body having a pair of opposing sides and defining a plurality of vent passages. The vent passages extend through the body and each an opening at each of the pair of opposing sides. The vent passages are spaced apart and arranged around a center portion of the body. A membrane structure is positioned so as to cover the openings of the vent passages on one of the pair of opposing sides of the body. The membrane structure is sealingly affixed to the body portion in an outer sealing band surrounding the openings of the vent passages. The membrane structure may be further affixed with one or more cross sealing bands extending across the membrane. A portion of the membrane structure may be further affixed to the center portion of the body. A protective structure may be attached to the body and positioned over the membrane structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventor: Dale Maenke
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Patent number: 6732878Abstract: A lid apparatus for a tank opening that retains fluid within the tank while allowing air to vent into or out of the tank. An air manifold is provided, preferably as part of an installation ring of the apparatus which is mounted to the tank around the tank opening. The air manifold has an outer radial wall and an inner radial wall spanned by an annular base surface. A plurality of angularly spaced openings in the outer radial wall are angularly offset from a plurality of openings in the inner radial wall to be out of angular alignment therewith, and the space above the annular base surface between the outer radial wall openings and the inner radial wall openings provides a plurality of air flow passageways. A cap of the apparatus has a cover portion and a depending mounting member adapted to insert within the installation ring and engage a cap mounting portion of that ring to detachably mount the cap to the installation ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Banjo CorporationInventor: Mark E. Gillen
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Patent number: 6688486Abstract: A can and easy open closure for the can which is structured and arranged to cooperate with the can such that as the closure is removed from the can, gas is allowed to escape while the contents of the can, such as a powder, is prevented from escaping.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventors: George B. Diamond, Ralph H. Helmrich
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Publication number: 20030127459Abstract: A lid (10) for a saucepan includes a glass or plastics cover (11) having an opening (23) and a disc (14) secured to the cover and extending across the opening. The disc has a steam aperture (17) through which steam from the saucepan can escape. A handle (13) is secured to the cover by attachment to the disc. The arrangement provides increased strength as compared to a glass or plastics lid having a steam release aperture formed directly in it. The disc (14) can be removed from the opening for cleaning purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventor: Sin Ting Au
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Patent number: 6585128Abstract: A two stage splash guard structure is provided for an oil breather usable with an hydraulic fluid reservoir or tank. The first splash guard is provided within a neck portion preferably formed as part of the tank. A bowl-like cavity is formed within the neck portion and a ring-like chamber surrounds the cavity to serve as the first stage splash guard. An orifice is provided in the lower portion of the bowl to allow for the flow of air through the neck portion and into and out of the tank as the fluid in the tank shifts or rises and falls. A shelf is formed within the bowl to receive a second stage splash guard plate. A hollow adapter is then threadably secured within the neck portion to secure the second stage splash plate in place on the shelf and an air breather cap with the filtering element is threadably secured to the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: William Andrew Clevenger, Friedrich Konrad Diecke, Eric Taylor Spurgeon
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Publication number: 20030116572Abstract: A container comprising a cover and a containing portion, the cover adapted to fit adjacent a portion of an inner edge of the containing portion. The cover including a body portion having an opening therein, and a stopper movable between an open position and a closed position, the stopper adapted to close the opening when the stopper is in the closed position, thereby causing an air-tight seal between the cover and the containing portion and allows the cover to be removed from the container when the stopper is in the open position by releasing the air-tight seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: World Kitchen, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Klock, David A. Vogler, Emmanuel V. Tanghal, Paul Thonis, Jeffrey B. Kell, Timothy K. Virkus
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Patent number: 6557719Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel tank comprising a vessel for containing fuel and a system for evacuating the gases contained in the vessel. The system has a passage putting the inside of the vessel into communication with the outside of the vessel, and the passage is closed by a membrane suitable for allowing air and fuel vapor to pass therethrough while preventing liquid fuel from passing therethrough. The membrane is situated inside the vessel and it extends over the major portion of the top wall of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventors: André Arnal, Philippe Decobert, Alexis Rosseel
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Patent number: 6539726Abstract: A thermal barrier for a Dewar vessel combines an insulative vapor plug and a vapor barrier. The plug is sized so as to define an open space between it and the neck portion of the Dewar vessel to allow venting of vaporous cryogen from the inner vessel of the Dewar vessel through a Dewar opening. The vapor barrier provides an interference between the plug and the neck portion that disrupts venting of vaporous cryogen but does not form an airtight seal that would block venting and cause unacceptable build-up of pressure within the inner vessel. Multiple vapor barriers, especially four or more, provide multiple interferences that create multiple chambers between the plug and the neck portion. Each interference disrupts migration of vaporous cryogen as an incremental increase (e.g., 2 psig or less) in vapor pressure of each chamber causes the chamber to breach and then another incremental increase in vapor pressure of the liquid cryogen in the vaporous state is required to breach each successive chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventors: R. Kevin Giesy, Mark Ventura, Funn Roberts
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Patent number: 6523724Abstract: The present inventors have discovered a new vent which can be used in a venting closure and particularly in venting closures for large heavy duty liquid detergent and other liquid laundry product containers. In one embodiment, the vent comprises a wall, a vent opening in the wall, and one or more spacers on the surface of a face of the wall. Most especially the spacers are protuberances, especially rounded protuberances. A liner is adhered to a portion of the surface of the face and spaced from the vent opening by the spacers. The liner is made of a material which permits air to pass through the vent hole, but preferably, the liner material does not permit liquids to pass through the vent hole. In an especially preferred embodiment, the liner is comprised of a tetrafluoroethylene polymer. In a most preferred embodiment the application is also directed to a venting closure.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: John Michael Paulovich, Edward John Giblin, Richard Chalmers, Corinne Saso
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Publication number: 20020066716Abstract: A vented closure, for preventing deformation of a container containing a gas evolving liquid, is provided. The closure includes a first closure member and a second closure member. The first closure member seals the container from the outside atmosphere and defines a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane is placed in the gas flow passage. The second closure member is moveably fitted on the first closure member and encases the first closure member with a small clearance fit that allows gas passage. A sealing element coupled to the second closure member is aligned with the gas outlet of the first member so as to block gas flow when a predetermined load is applied to the second closure member and allow gas flow when the predetermined load is absent.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2000Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: W. K. Mainquist, John F. Breznock
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Publication number: 20020011493Abstract: A lid apparatus for a tank opening that retains fluid within the tank while allowing air to vent into or out of the tank. An air manifold is provided, preferably as part of an installation ring of the apparatus which is mounted to the tank around the tank opening. The air manifold has an outer radial wall and an inner radial wall spanned by an annular base surface. A plurality of angularly spaced openings in the outer radial wall are angularly offset from a plurality of openings in the inner radial wall to be out of angular alignment therewith, and the space above the annular base surface between the outer radial wall openings and the inner radial wall openings provides a plurality of air flow passageways. A cap of the apparatus has a cover portion and a depending mounting member adapted to insert within the installation ring and engage a cap mounting portion of that ring to detachably mount the cap to the installation ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventor: Mark E. Gillen
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Publication number: 20010032849Abstract: A venting closure assembly for and milk tank where there is an outside stainless steel cover and a venting closure member positioned beneath the cover. The venting closure member forms a circumferential seal around the periphery of the cover and in one form has a downward and outward flaring flexible skirt, which forms a peripheral venting channel. When there is a surge of product in the tank (e.g. caused by acceleration of the tank) the surge of liquid is forced upwardly against the closure member and takes a circumferential path to slowdowns the surge of milk. In another form, a two-piece closure member is employed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventor: Tim Martin
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Patent number: 6296135Abstract: A vent-on-demand hatch cover for closing a hatch opening of a compartment in a railcar, and particularly a hopper car, wherein the car is provided with a coaming that defines the opening. The cover includes a peripheral opening for taking in the outside air and which is disposed adjacent the outer side of the coaming and an inside opening at the underside of the cover exposed to the compartment for connecting the cover to the compartment air. Passageways are provided between the two openings in order to allow air flow between the outside of the car and the inside of the car. A closure member is provided at the inside opening of the cover which is resiliently biased normally into closed position and which opens upon the formation of a vacuum within the compartment in order to allow unloading of the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: ZefTek, Inc.Inventors: John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach, Jr.
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Publication number: 20010019057Abstract: A water pail is equipped with an air passageway in a stopper to pass through external air so that contents contained in the water pail are smoothly exhausted out. Since the air passageway is provided to flow the external air into the stopper of the outlet, the contents contained in the water pail are smoothly exhausted out, thereby preventing the contents from being splashed out. Also, the production cost of the water pail can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Inventor: Kyeong-Sun Yun
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Patent number: 6196409Abstract: The present invention relates to a container, or a cap for a container for viscous liquid products. The container or the cap comprises a venting element. The venting element allows passage of gases between the interior and the exterior of the container when the pressure inside the container differs from the external ambient pressure. The container or cap further includes a control feature which controls the phase separation of the product splashed onto the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Kirk Wallace Lake, Neil John Rogers, Marcel Vandebroek, Bruno Van den Branden
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Patent number: 6182850Abstract: Closure membrane for containers having an outer film and inner film with a joining layer and a sealing seam zone between these two films. At least one space free of a bonding layer is provided within the sealing seam zone between the outer film and the inner film and, within the limits of this non-bonded space, the outer film and the inner film each feature at least one opening, and a reservoir of material that softens under the influence of heat is provided in the non-bonded space between the outer film and the inner film. The openings in the inner film and the openings in the outer film are connected to enable the passage of a fluid such as a gas from the interior of the container to the surrounding atmosphere. On application of heat to the closure membrane e.g. during a sterilization process, the openings in the inner film and the outer film are closed off as a result of softening of the material that softens under the influence of heat.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd.Inventors: Claude A. Marbler, Jean-Paul Boudinet
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Patent number: 6129234Abstract: The description relates to a plate-shaped cover (1) for cooking vessels or the like which has at least one aperture (12) in a central region (10). A cap (7) covering the at least one aperture (12) in the manner of a roof is secured on the top (14) of the cover (1) by means of a holder (16). The holder (16) takes the form of a handle (2) spanning the cover (1) like a bracket and the end sections (18) of the handle (2) are releasably secured to the edge (20) of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignees: Branko Culig, Petra RepacInventors: Branko Culig, Cedomir Repac
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Patent number: 6085664Abstract: A vented hatch cover for a container having an opening defining a hatch and a coaming on the container's exterior surrounding the hatch opening. The cover has an outer shell and an inner shell, each shell having a main body and a flanged portion. The bodies are sized to fit over and enclose the hatch opening. The flanged portions are bonded together and extend radially outwardly from the corresponding bodies to fixedly couple and hold the bodies of the inner and outer shells in a spaced relationship to present an air chamber therebetween. Balsa reinforcement members are spaced apart and fixed between the shells in a radial pattern within the air chamber to provide support to the cover without interfering with the air flow. Air inlets are formed through the flange and body of the inner shell to allow air flow from the container's exterior into the container via the air chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Aero Transportation Products, Inc.Inventor: Stephen R. Early
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Patent number: 6079589Abstract: A drinking receptacle cover to be removably applied to an opening of a receptacle main body. This cover has on its top plate a drinking spout which can be shut off and a negative pressure relief valve. The spout contains a drinking spout main body which protrudes from the top plate and has a channel; a drinking spout portion which is fitted on the drinking spout main body to be shiftable in the axial direction so as to open and close the channel; and a drinking spout cap which can be removably applied to the drinking spout portion; and the channel can be opened and closed by the shift of the drinking spout portion which occurs with fitting and removal of the drinking spout cap.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1999Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Nippon Sanso CorporationInventors: Shin Matsuyama, Shoji Toida, Yasuhiro Kowa, Toru Goto, Rikiya Kato
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Patent number: 6051263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: World Class Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Gorlich, Robert F. McPherson, Jr., Robert C. James
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Patent number: 6042852Abstract: A refrigerated dough system is provided which includes a dough in a container flushed with a gas. The dough contains a leavening agent capable of generating gas in the dough after the dough is sealed in the container. The container is provided with a pressure release mechanism to release excess pressure generated within the container as the dough leavens and during storage. The dough system is capable of sustaining a leavened dough structure during storage so that upon baking the dough, the resulting baked product resembles a freshly prepared and baked dough.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1997Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: The Pillsbury CompanyInventors: William A. Atwell, Stephanie C. K. Hankerson, Michael R. Perry, Victor T. Huang, Diane R. Rosenwald, Katy Ghiasi, Andrew H. Johnson
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Patent number: 6003715Abstract: The air vent has a body with a central axis, a top end, a bottom end, a flat surface on the top end and a flat surface on the bottom end. A gripping surface extends from the top flat surface to a stop surface that is transverse to the axis. The small diameter end of an upper conical surface joins the stop surface. A large diameter end of a lower conical surface joins the large diameter end of the upper conical surface. A cutting edge formed by the flat bottom surface and the lower conical surface pierces a container when the air vent is forced into the container. The lower conical surface expands the opening made by the cutting edge. The stop surface limits penetration and the upper conical surface urges the container wall toward the stop surface. An air vent passage through the top flat surface and the bottom flat surface lets air into the container. A cap closes the air vent passage. The air vent is removed from an empty container for use in another container.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Inventor: Walter H. Harris
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Patent number: 5988414Abstract: A lid is disclosed having a pressure compensation device comprising a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane and a surge protection element comprising a gas permeable material which serves to break the surge pressure exerted on the membrane by the container contents. The lid is designed as an injection molded plastic part with the membrane being integrated in an upper cover portion of the lid by injection molding.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1996Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Inventors: Robert Schwarz, Thorsten Wiemer
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Patent number: 5918480Abstract: The invention provides an improved refrigerator incorporating a vegetable-storage chamber in which, using moisture-permeable films capable of automatically varying humid-permeability, humidity inside of a vegetable-storage container is automatically and securely controllable to prevent dewing symptom from being generated therein while always preserving high humidity suited for vegetables and other produce to make it possible to store.The inventive refrigerator incorporates a vegetable storage container 18 having open top-surface and provides a lid member 19 in close contact with and by way of covering the open top surface of the vegetable storage container 18. The lid member 19 is provided with moisture-permeable films 20 comprising a humid-vapor-permeable basic cloth 21 made from nylon or polyester resin and a hydrophilic shape-memory resin film 22 made from polyurethane resin or the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Refrigeration CompanyInventors: Kohji Nagata, Masatoshi Inatani, Noriko Shinohara
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Patent number: 5899468Abstract: Vent structures are provided on the upper and lower sides, and lid of an organic waste cart so that wet biomass deposited in the cart is dried by convective air currents passing through the cart. The lid vent is hooded to prevent moisture from passing into the biomass. A perforated false bottom within the cart elevates the biomass above the lower vents to assure that drying air can circulated throughout the biomass.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventors: William Patrick Apps, Gabriel Antonio Gurra
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Patent number: 5866184Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: World Class Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Gorlich, Robert F. McPherson, Jr., Robert C. James
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Patent number: 5824140Abstract: A canister including an elongated hollow plastic body having a wall with inner and outer surfaces, an edge portion on the wall defining an open end, an end on the edge portion extending transversely to the inner and outer surfaces, a porous plastic member having an outer edge portion extending across the open end and fused to the end, an inner portion on the porous plastic member located radially inwardly of the outer edge portion and extending into the body and fused to the inner surface of the wall adjacent the end thereof, and a gas-treating material in the body. A method of fabricating the above canister including the steps of applying pressure and vibratory welding energy to the porous member to thereby cause the member which was originally planar in shape to have its outer edge compressed against the end of the body and fused thereto and the central portion inwardly of the outer edge forced into the body and its outer edge fused to the inner surface of the body adjacent the end.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Lora L. Berger
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Patent number: 5806699Abstract: A venting closure for use with an associated container includes a closure cap having a circular top wall portion and a depending annular skirt portion. The closure is used with a pressurized container having a threaded neck portion defining a land surface at the top thereof. The closure includes a liner therein adjacent and in spaced relation to the top wall, which liner is positioned between the top wall portion and the land surface and defines a pressure release region with the top wall portion. The top wall portion includes an outwardly extending annular bead-like protecting element having a depending inner wall and a contiguous outer wall. The inner wall is oriented generally transverse to a top wall plane. A flexible portion having a piercing element extending inwardly therefrom toward the liner is positioned centrally of the annular protecting bead and is movable so that piercing element contacts and fractures the liner to release pressure from the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Inventors: Len Ekkert, Jeffrey Ullrich, David N. Moore
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Patent number: 5806703Abstract: A safety valve device for packages of products to be cooked, cooled, reheated, or degassed and a package that includes such a safety valve. The valve includes a peripheral portion attached to the package support and a movable flap with an end portion connected to the peripheral portion to form a hinge portion exerting a resilient return force determined by bending slots shaped so that the end portion retains a certain degree of rigidity and has a sensitive shape memory function, enabling it to be opened by gas pressure and dynamically closed upon cooling. A projection on the underside of the flap acts as seal engaging the recess in the package support during cooling, and includes suitably positioned spikes for engaging one or more gas discharge outlets in the recess.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Inventor: Rene Grandi
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Patent number: 5759241Abstract: A desiccant canister comprised of a generally cylindrical body portion, first and second end portions, and at least one gas permeable disk-shaped member, wherein the body portion is generally impermeable to liquids and gases, wherein at least one of the said end portions is perforated, and wherein the disk-shaped member is secured to the end portion of the canister containing perforations.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: United Catalysts, Inc.--DesiccantsInventors: George E. Klett, John E. Thomas
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Patent number: 5711876Abstract: An apparatus for removing bubbles in a filter housing of a coating equipment includes a cover coupled to the filter housing and including a bottom, an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a drain portion, the bottom of the cover having an inclined surface at an angle, wherein the drain portion is above the inlet portion and the outlet portion on the inclined surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: L G Semicon Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keun Woung Lee
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Patent number: 5692634Abstract: Rigid container structure for hermetic sealing of particulate solids which emit an off-gas during containment. Provisions are made for enclosing chamber space with a gas-permeable imperforate membrane film so as to selectively separate and retain an off-gas out of contact with container contents. In a specific embodiment, carbon dioxide is selectively separated from coffee contents while the entire container, including such enclosed chamber as established, is hermetically sealed from ambient atmosphere. Provision is also made for venting of a separated off-gas in initiating a rupture of an end closure structure prior to full opening of the container. That arrangement further diminishes the opportunity for inadvertent discharge of particulate solids due to expulsion of gas from inert gas purging and from gas emitted during hermetic sealing.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Weirton Steel CorporationInventors: Leonard A. Jenkins, William H. Dalrymple
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Patent number: 5601206Abstract: A container (20) suitable for use as a truck box for a pick-up truck, includes a base container portion (21) having an open top, and a cover (22) to close the open top. The cover (22) is pivotally attached to the base (21) by hinge mechanisms (23) which are uniquely formed by combining a hinge pin assembly (101) with a pin retaining assembly (102). The cover (22) may also be latched to the base (21) by a latch assembly (24) which includes pivotable handles (56, 57) on each end of the base (21) which, when either is pivoted, rotates latch hooks (68, 74) from a position engaging the cover (22) to a position releasing the cover, without moving the other handle. The container (20) may also receive a tray (150) therein positionable on a ledge (30) and positively located in one direction by ribs (159) and in the other direction by feet (162) positioned in depressions (38) formed between ribs (37) on the inside of the base (21).Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: Rubbermaid Specialty Products, Inc.Inventors: Joel C. Haas, Michael D. Howell, David G. Mann, Matthew P. Williams
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Patent number: 5590778Abstract: A double-sterile package for critical-use medical apparatus includes an inner first container including an outer boundary wall impervious to microorganisms and being closed except for defining a hole. A patch of gas-permeable micro-porous sheet material is secured to the outer boundary wall spanning and closing the hole. The gas-permeable sheet material is sufficient to exclude environmental microorganisms from entering the inner first container. The first container is received into and nested within a conformal second container also having a boundary wall impervious to microorganisms and being closed except for defining a hole. This hole of the second container is also closed by a patch of the gas-permeable micro-porous sheet material, and the holes of the first and second containers are in gas-flow communication with one another. The medical apparatus within the nested containers is sterilized by evacuation of air and introduction of a sterilizing gas via the gas-permeable patches.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Dutchik
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Patent number: 5586673Abstract: A cap assembly for receiving a stopper and for application to the threaded neck of a bottle. The cap assembly includes a cap and a thrust washer. The cap has an end wall which has a central aperture and a circular side wall which has internal threads. The thrust washer has a base wall with a central aperture and a side wall which has a ridge at its outer end. The thrust washer lies within the side wall of the cap so that the base wall engages the end wall and the side wall extends through the aperture in the end wall and the ridge engages the outer surface of the end wall to retain tile thrust washer on the cap. Tile side wall of the thrust washer is resiliently yieldable to enable the ridge to disengage from the end wall to release the thrust washer from the cap.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: Ciba Corning Diagnostics Corp.Inventors: Ronald J. Venooker, John A. Scavitto, Peter N. Karkantis, David T. Healey, Richard L. Travers
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Patent number: 5584409Abstract: Valves useful for pressure relief/ventilation/vacuum or pressure retention, particularly in packaging containers, are disclosed. The present valves include a first member which is substantially rigid, includes an outer sealing region and a raised section having at least one hole therethrough; and a second member which is substantially elastic, is in close proximity to, preferably in contact with, the raised section of the first member and is sealingly secured the first member at the outer sealing region. The second member includes at least one through hole located outwardly or outboard of the raised section of the first section and inwardly of the outer sealing region of the first member. The elastic member may be moved away from the raised section to equalize gas pressures between a container and the environment outside the container or is urged into more intimate contact with the raised section to prevent gas flow into or out of the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1995Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Inventor: Christopher H. Chemberlen
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Patent number: 5575397Abstract: A double-walled tank assembly having a passageway from an inner tank to an outer tank, the passageway having an outer opening, and a cover removably mounted over the outer opening of the passageway to seal the passageway. The cover has a pressure relief vent and a plate suspended from the cover, within the passageway, below the pressure relief vent, and above the opening in the inner tank. In the event of liquid surging within the tank, the plate prevents the liquid from impinging against the pressure relief vent. In addition, in order to prevent tampering with the pressure relief vent, the cover has an enclosure around the pressure relief vent to prevent tampering.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Inventor: Donald A. Wood
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Patent number: 5526620Abstract: A substantially gas-tight tank cover is designed such that the structural beams of the cover serve also as a gas withdrawal system for removing odorous or deleterious gases from above the surface of a liquid in the tank, such as in the case of a sewage treatment plant. The structural beams are tubular in cross-sectional shape, and have openings at selected locations in communication with the interior of the tank above the liquid. The system efficiently uses the structure of the tank cover as part of the odorous gas withdrawal system.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Hallsten CorporationInventor: Jeffrey A. Hallsten
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Patent number: 5523236Abstract: A closure for providing selective access to and for closing a cell culture vessel includes an open cylindrical first portion for attaching the closure to the cell culture vessel. The first portion includes a passageway for access to the vessel. The closure includes a second portion attached to the first portion by a hinge for closing the access passageway. The second portion additionally includes a vent which has a porous membrane covering it to prevent passage of microorganisms through the vent. The closure includes a third portion which is attached by a hinge to the second portion for closing the vent. Either the vent or the access passageway may be opened with one hand providing easy access and selective closure of the cell culture vessel.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1994Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventor: Michael J. Nuzzo
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Patent number: 5513762Abstract: A drinking container such as a water bottle with a pair of telescoping straws, one of which is attached to a lid for the container and the other of which is threaded on a nut mounted on the lid for longitudinally sliding the second straw in the first straw when the nut is rotated and blocking an airway when the second straw is retracted.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Double J CompanyInventor: Saeid Janani
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Patent number: 5503662Abstract: A canister including an elongated hollow plastic body having a wall with inner and outer surfaces, an edge portion on the wall defining an open end, an end on the edge portion extending transversely to the inner and outer surfaces, a porous plastic member having an outer edge portion extending across the open end and fused to the end, an inner portion on the porous plastic member located radially inwardly of the outer edge portion and extending into the body and fused to the inner surface of the wall adjacent the end thereof, and a gas-treating material in the body. A method of fabricating the above canister including the steps of applying pressure and vibratory welding energy to the porous member to thereby cause the member which was originally planar in shape to have its outer edge compressed against the end of the body and fused thereto and the central portion inwardly of the outer edge forced into the body and its outer edge fused to the inner surface of the body adjacent the end.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1994Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Assignee: Multiform Desiccants, Inc.Inventor: Lora L. Berger
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Patent number: 5485938Abstract: This relates to a resealable lid and cup assembly and method for using the same. The resealable lid has an opening through which liquid flows and a valve mechanism for selectively closing the opening. The valve mechanism is provided on the underside of the lid and is biased to the open position by inward deflection of the side wall of the cup.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1995Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Inventor: Drew H. Boersma
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Patent number: 5480054Abstract: A lid assembly for use with a beverage container which retains and dispenses beverages therefrom. The container includes a body having a reservoir chamber and a mouth communicating with the reservoir chamber. The lid assembly is cooperatively attachable to the body of the container for selectively closing the mouth. The lid assembly includes an exterior segment and an interior segment which are spaced apart and define a lid chamber therebetween. A breathing vent is provided in the exterior segment for communication between the outside atmosphere and the lid chamber. An anti-spill vent is provided with the vent for preventing leakage of liquid therethrough when the container is tipped. A second vent extends between the interior segment and communicates with the lid chamber for passing atmosphere between the reservoir chamber and the lid chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1993Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: William E. Midden
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Patent number: 5472121Abstract: A flexible plastic lid including a tubular pour spout with a separate snap on cap and vent is disclosed. The lid includes a pour spout extending from the base and located near the rim to ensure maximum pour efficiency. An air vent is positioned opposite the pour spout and allows liquids to flow freely without clogging the spout. The air vent is operated by pushing and pulling the vent. Once engaged, the lid creates an air tight enclosure for maintaining the freshness of the contents. Additionally, the can is compact in height for cold storage shelf space where space is at a premium in the kitchen. Once the snap on cap is engaged by the lip on the inside of the cap, a leak-proof seal is formed. The can lid is preferably made of molded plastic that is pliable to tightly snap onto the can, yet durable to withstand the heat of commercial dishwashers.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1994Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Inventor: John R. Silano
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Patent number: 5454482Abstract: A safety drinking container for controlled release of liquid contained therein, particularly hot beverages and the like. The safety container includes base and lid portions which engage one another in sealing relationship during use. In one preferred embodiment, the lid portion includes at least one drinking passage arranged to be covered by the mouth of an individual during consumption of a liquid, while the base portion is configured with an edge surrounding an opening in the base portion which discourages the individual from consuming the liquid directly from the base portion. In another preferred embodiment, the base portion includes a top having an opening formed therein. The opening is defined by an edge which discourages the individual from consuming the liquid directly from the base portion. The base portion including at least one drinking passage arranged to be covered by the mouth of the individual.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1993Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Health Research, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey L. Simon
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Patent number: 5445291Abstract: The present invention provides a package such as a cylindrical can for containing a particulate product, such as roast and ground coffee, under pressure. The package automatically releases the pressure upon opening while preventing the escape of the particulate product. The package is made from a container having a closed top, a closed bottom, and an enclosed body between the top and the bottom. The package includes a venting member disposed within the container near the top. One end of the venting member abuts against the body of the container along its perimeter and another end abuts against the top of the container along its perimeter. The package further includes a channel between the venting member and the container. When the container is initially opened with a can opener, the top of the container is punctured in an area above the channel. The pressure is then released from the container into the channel and out of the package while the particulate product is prevented from escaping.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Wade K. Daniel
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Patent number: 5407087Abstract: A closure accommodating internal pressure build-up in a container. The closure includes a cover, the top wall of which which is provided with a small orifice. A flexible plastic film lid or patch is sealed over the orifice by sealant such as adhesive or heat-seal. The patch may also be sealed by welding. The sealant may be pressure sensitive. When pressure within the container reaches a predetermined level, a small channel will form in the patch and gases will be released. The orifice may include pre-formed V-shaped venting notches in its top edge to direct gas pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Edward Giblin, Dominic Marazita