Ventilated Container Patents (Class 220/913)
  • Patent number: 8783503
    Abstract: Packaged formulation comprising a compound liable to exothermic decomposition and optionally one or more organic diluents, said formulation being packaged in a container with a volume of at least 250 liter provided with a vent to release gases and made from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat B softening temperature not higher than (a) the run-away temperature of the compound liable to exothermic decomposition if the formulation does not contain any diluent, or (b) the boiling temperature of at least 50 wt % of the total weight of diluent if the formulation does contain organic diluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Paulus Waanders, Johannes Harmannus Gerardus Lok
  • Patent number: 8573118
    Abstract: A food tray adapted for holding previously cooked food items is provided. The food tray has one or more sidewall structure openings to allow venting of the interior volume of the tray through the tray sidewall structure openings. The food tray allows food items contained in the volume of the food tray to be stored over an extended period of time at an elevated temperature without significant deleterious effects to the appearance, taste and texture of the food. The food tray may also include a slide member for adjusting the amount of venting through the sidewall structure openings. Also provided is a method of storing food within a food tray to be contained in a heated compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry T. Ewald, Paul G. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8567632
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cover for a culinary article comprising a lid designed to cover the culinary article and a silicone gasket running around the lid. According to the invention, in the radial direction, the gasket extends at least 10 mm, or ever 15 mm beyond the perimeter of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: SEB SA
    Inventors: Nathalie Bergeret, Christophe Lorthioir, Pascal Cuillery
  • Patent number: 8490809
    Abstract: A produce packaging system incorporates a container having ample top ventilation enabling efficient ingress of cooling water into container to cool produce contained inside. The container also having a sloped bottom for draining water toward a bottom vent and out of the container during hydrocooling. The system also includes a cooling box configured for holding the containers in an upright orientation enabling inflow of cooling water into the containers and out of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sambrailo Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Cadiente, Mark Sambrailo
  • Patent number: 8047393
    Abstract: A tank filler neck comprises an outer wall (1), an inner wall (2) and an inner space (19) closed off from the environment during operation. In order to enable the pressure in this space (19) to be equalized in both directions, a negative and positive pressure relief valve (20) is provided in the annular space (18) between outer wall (1) and inner wall (2). The valve comprises a partition (21) with holes (30) distributed over the circumference, said partition dividing the annular space (18) between outer wall (1) and inner wall (2) into a first annular space (22) connected to the atmosphere and a second annular space (23) connected to the inner space (19), a first valve ring (31) in the first annular space (22) and a second valve ring (32) in the second annular space (23), which valve rings have first zones (40, 42) and second offset zones (41, 43) alternating in the circumferential direction, see FIG. 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fuel Systems GesmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Feichtinger
  • Patent number: 8038023
    Abstract: A molded plastic container includes a side wall having a valve seat feature molded into the side wall, the valve seat feature comprising a central recess in the outer surface of the side wall, and an annular valve seat surrounding the central recess. The container has one or more holes extending through a portion of the side wall bounded by the annular valve seat into the interior of the container for venting gas from the container. A label is affixed against the outer surface of the side wall and is under tension, the tension of the label causing the label to firmly abut the annular valve seat. Excess pressure of gas inside the container is able to momentarily lift the label away from the annular valve seat to establish a flow path between the label and the annular valve seat such that gas under pressure is vented from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Grey Moore, Robert Thor Versluys
  • Patent number: 7980414
    Abstract: A produce packaging system incorporates a container having ample top ventilation enabling efficient ingress of cooling water into container to cool produce contained inside. The container also having a sloped bottom for draining water toward a bottom vent and out of the container during hydrocooling. The system also includes a cooling box configured for holding the containers in an upright orientation enabling inflow of cooling water into the containers and out of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sambrailo Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Cadiente, Mark Sambrailo
  • Patent number: 7967164
    Abstract: A leakage containment device for containing leakage from an oil tank supplying oil to a heating system includes a container including a bottom wall and a perimeter wall being coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior space. An upper edge of the perimeter wall defines an upper open end of the container to permit an oil tank to be placed in the interior space. A lid is hingedly coupled to the upper edge of the perimeter wall. The lid selectively closes the upper open end of the container when the lid is in a closed position over the upper open end. The lid is pivoted away from the upper open end to permit access to the upper open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Fulton T. Mountain
  • Patent number: 7828196
    Abstract: A container for flowers and such includes a stackable holder with upright walls, a carrier supported on the walls, an upper holder being placeable on the carrier, and also A ventilation element located in at least one of the walls and also at the top of the carrier. The ventilation element includes at least one recess opening out at the upper edge of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Pagter & Partners International B.V.
    Inventors: Janus Adriaan Willem De Pagter, Jeroen Johan Bruijns, Simon Eduard Niekolaas
  • Patent number: 7703628
    Abstract: A produce packaging system incorporates a container having ample top ventilation enabling efficient ingress of cooling water into container to cool produce contained inside. The container also having a sloped bottom for draining water toward a bottom vent and out of the container during hydrocooling. The system also includes a cooling box configured for holding the containers in an upright orientation enabling inflow of cooling water into the containers and out of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Sambrailo Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Cadiente, Mark Sambrailo
  • Publication number: 20100044372
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible isolator is taught for containing radioactive, chemical or biological agents. The isolator is comprised of a collapsible frame, movable between a collapsed transport position and an open operational position, and a flexible and collapsible envelope in the form of an airtight bag attached to the frame to define a cavity. The envelope remains airtight in both the collapsed and open positions. One or more sealable openings are formed in the envelope for insertion and removal of the radioactive, chemical and biological agents into and out of the cavity. The isolator may optionally include at least one glove extending from one or more of said sealable openings into the cavity, for handling said radioactive, chemical and biological agents inside the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Public Safety
    Inventors: Bill Kournikakis, Tim Patraboy, Daniel Perreault, James Peeke, Carl McDiarmid, Ian Summerell, Andrew Burczyk, Marianne Heisz, Pierre Caron, Sylvain Poirier
  • Publication number: 20100018965
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a round container and to a round container configured for said method, which provide faster construction of the round container, mostly independent from the precision of the preliminary work in spite of high final precision, and which provide simple transportation of the components to the construction site. This is accomplished by the invention through setting up wall profiles (2), which are continuous over the wall height of the round container (1) and which have in particular a flat inner surface, continuously along the circumference and by connecting them with one another and with the subsurface in particular through bolting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SCHMIDT-SEEGER GMBH
    Inventors: Franz Gõtz, Michael Nieberler
  • Patent number: 7637416
    Abstract: There is disclosed an air flow channel (32, 38) for use in a packaging container (10). The channel includes an elongated body defining a passage having an open end. A number of spaced apart ventilation openings (36) are provided through the body along its length. The channel can be fixed attached to or alternatively integrally formed with a wall (14, 16, 18, 20), floor (12) or roof of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Capespan (Pty) Ltd
    Inventors: Dawid Moelich, Marius Leuvennink, Pieter Dippenaar
  • Patent number: 7503461
    Abstract: There are provided methods for fabricating devices for admitting air to a closed container while preventing passage of a water-based fluid therethrough. These devices comprise a plurality of hydrophobic capillaries or a hydrophobic reticulated microporous material. The devices comprising hydrophobic capillaries are fabricated by a variety of techniques, such as those employing extrusion, pultrusion, fugitive mandrel removal or a combination of these techniques. The devices comprising hydrophobic reticulated microporous material are fabricated by techniques such as foaming, sintering, template replication, incorporation of sacrificial particles or a combination of these techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Wesley P. Hoffman, Phillip G. Wapner
  • Patent number: 7472799
    Abstract: A produce packaging system incorporates a tray for receiving a plurality of produce carrying baskets. The baskets each include upper ventilation slots and lower ventilation channels. The lower ventilation channels are formed by arching the bottoms of the baskets to form transversely oriented channels in the bottoms of the baskets configured to enable bi-directional cooling airflow to pass underneath the baskets in at least two transverse directions. Bi-directional airflow is also achieved in the upper portion of the baskets through the ventilation slots. The trays are configured such that, when the baskets are loaded into the trays, the upper ventilation slots and the lower cooling channels are aligned with sets of cooling vents in the trays thereby facilitating efficient cooling of produce contained in the baskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Sambrailo Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Cadiente, William K. Sambrailo, Mark Sambrailo
  • Patent number: 7441672
    Abstract: A produce packaging container having an arched bottom surface and raised feet is described herein. The containers each can include upper ventilation slots and lower ventilation channels. The lower ventilation channels are formed by arching the bottoms of the baskets to form cooling flow channels that direct cool air under the bottoms of the containers. Raised supports enable bi-directional cooling airflow to pass underneath the baskets in at least two transverse directions. Bi-directional airflow is also achieved in the upper portion of the baskets through the ventilation slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Sambrailo Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Cadiente, Mark Sambrailo
  • Patent number: 7344767
    Abstract: A self-cooling container for water or other beverage utilizing a non-porous moisture vapor permeable membrane is provided. The membrane allows moisture vapor to escape while preventing penetration of contaminants including liquids, particulates, and bacteria. Evaporative cooling keeps the beverage temperature below ambient. Optionally, the membrane can be laminated to a fabric material for reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Serena Giori, Claudio Giori
  • Patent number: 7297173
    Abstract: A hopper arrangement includes a damper arrangement selectively moveable in a plurality of positions to manipulate access to the interior volume. A first position includes a standby position wherein the enclosure and the damper arrangement block access to the interior volume. Another position includes a pressure-relief position wherein the interior volume is open to a continuous airflow path through the container. In some arrangements, there is an evacuation position wherein the damper arrangement allows access to the interior volume and blocks a continuous airflow path through the container. A gas turbine intake system includes a hood, a filter arrangement downstream of the hood and a collection hopper. The collection hopper is in airflow communication with an upstream side of the filter arrangement and downstream of the hood. The collection hopper includes a standby position and a pressure-relief position. A method of filtering air includes drawing air into a hood and then into a filter arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominique Renwart, Michael Handley, Herman Vanormelingen
  • Patent number: 7100788
    Abstract: Method for improved packing and cooling of produce. According to the present invention, baskets for the packing of fruit are provided with ventilation channels disposed upon a lower surface of the basket. Vent apertures communicate between the ventilation channels and the produce stored in the baskets. Upper vents are formed on four sides of an upper portion of the baskets. After packing the baskets with produce, they are loaded into trays. The trays may be provided with tray vents that align with the ventilation channels. Alternatively, the trays may be formed without tray vents to improve some cooling regimes. In this manner, entire pallets of produce-filled baskets, oriented in either the “X” or “Y” directions can be efficiently chilled by introducing a flow of cooling air into the baskets and thence through the produce packed inside, regardless of the orientation of the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sambrailo Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Cadiente, William K. Sambrailo, Mark Sambrailo
  • Patent number: 7097056
    Abstract: The gas-venting groove or grooves are formed, while leaving a part of the thread ridge up to a certain height, as the vertical degassing paths in the thread ridge carved on the outer surface of the round neck wall and the entire neck is whitened by the thermal crystallization. This thermal crystallization is conducted under the condition that the neck is prevented from undesired deformation caused by uneven resin flow state. Thus, the object of this invention is to provide a highly safe neck that can be used widely in the field of heat-resistant containers, pressure-tight containers, and heat-resistant and pressure-tight containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Ozawa, Toshimasa Tanaka, Takao Iizuka, Makoto Takada
  • Patent number: 7055707
    Abstract: A blow-molded container includes an outer layer of a synthetic resin, which forms the outer shell of a finite shape; an inner layer of a flexible synthetic resin, which is peelably laminated with the outer layer and forms an inner bag; and a pair of adhered zones of a vertical strip type, which is formed axisymmetrically on the central axis of container to adhere and fix the outer layer and the inner layer over the entire height and is located so as to avoid the positions of air introduction ports that have been provided in the outer layer to introduce air into the void between the outer layer and the inner layer. A pair of adhered zones is disposed at positions opposite to each other and is separated by a parting line. The lower ends of both adhered zones are disposed at the partly or wholly end-to-end position facing each other on the bottom seal formed when the bottom portion is pressed flat with the pinch-off of a blow mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Yoneyama, Hiroyuki Nakamura, Masato Seguchi, Takayuki Goto
  • Patent number: 6976600
    Abstract: A blow-molded container of this invention comprises: an outer layer (11) of a synthetic resin, which forms the outer shell of a finite shape; an inner layer (12) of a flexible synthetic resin, which is peelably laminated with the outer layer (11) and forms an inner bag; and a pair of restricted zones (15) of a vertical broad strip type, which is formed axisymmetrically on the central axis of container (1) to adhere and fix the outer layer (11) and the inner layer (12) over the entire height and is located so as to avoid the positions of air introduction ports (7) that have been provided in the outer layer (11) to introduce air into the void between the outer layer (11) and the inner layer (12). At least one of the restricted zones (15) comprises two or more adhesive zones (14) of the vertical strip type, which are parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Yoneyama, Hiroyuki Nakamura, Masato Seguchi, Takayuki Goto
  • Patent number: 6962263
    Abstract: A produce packaging system incorporates a tray for receiving a plurality of produce carrying baskets. The baskets each include upper ventilation slots and lower ventilation channels. The lower ventilation channels are formed by arching the bottoms of the baskets to form transversely oriented channels in the bottoms of the baskets configured to enable bi-directional cooling airflow to pass underneath the baskets in at least two transverse directions. Bi-directional airflow is also achieved in the upper portion of the baskets through the ventilation slots. The trays are configured such that, when the baskets are loaded into the trays, the upper ventilation slots and the lower cooling channels are aligned with sets of cooling vents in the trays thereby facilitating efficient cooling of produce contained in the baskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sambrailo Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Cadiente, William K. Sambrailo, Mark Sambrailo
  • Patent number: 6860194
    Abstract: An ovenable enclosure (10) for pizza or other heatable food product comprises a box of taint free board having an interior clearance over the pizza, a central vent (15) in the upper surface and a metal plate (16) on lower surface. The enclosure gives more consistent heating of the pizza with reduced edge dryness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: McCain Foods Limited
    Inventor: Simon Pope
  • Patent number: 6783022
    Abstract: A ventilation device for a fuel tank includes an antisurge element designed as a porous component manufactured from sintered plastic. The antisurge element prevents fuel which is sloshing around in the fuel tank from penetrating into an activated carbon filter of the ventilation device. The antisurge element is a fixed component that does not require any movable parts and is produced particularly cost-effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Martin Essing
  • Patent number: 6761367
    Abstract: A laundry hamper assembly. A hamper, having a bottom floor and a top portion, features a container disposed in its top portion. The container and the bottom floor define a cavity for storing articles of clothing. The container in the hamper is configured to hold laundry supplies. Ventilation grills are defined in the hamper between the container and the bottom floor, allowing air to flow from the cavity to the outside of the hamper. Other elements improve the mobility of the hamper assembly, and secure the contents of both the hamper and its containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: David Lee Fite
  • Patent number: 6732878
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Banjo Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Gillen
  • Patent number: 6594876
    Abstract: A method and kit for modifying an existing trash can to minimize or to prevent the occurrence of a vacuum seal that may occur when a trash can liner is pulled out of the trash can. The method comprises making three holes substantially close to each other into a trash can wall near the opening of the trash can. Then threading one end of a conduit through one of the holes so that the first end of the conduit reaches deep within the inside of the trash can and the other end of the conduit extending through the hole and outside of the trash can. The two remaining holes are used to securely mount the conduit onto the inside surface of the trash can by threading a tie through these two holes and around the conduit. In modifying an existing trash can by this method, the vacuum seal that often is encountered experience when pulling the trash liner from a trash can is avoided because the conduit allows air to freely pass into the bottom of the trash can. The kit comprises a conduit, drill bit and a tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald Stastny
  • Patent number: 6585942
    Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting medical instruments is provided with a collar-shaped base, a lid, and a removable bottom received within the base. Circumferentially spaced channels are provided on the walls of the base which receive removable inserts which not only secure the bottom against upward movement relative to the base but also provide landings to support insert trays received within the container. The inserts can also be provided with slots that support dividers within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Paragon Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bussell, Gregg Fedorka
  • Patent number: 6578758
    Abstract: A container for leaf product and other bulk pack materials wherein a blank of corrugated paperboard is scored to define side walls of the container, and a field of passageways are defined in at least one side wall of the container by a conical pin punch-pressed from opposing sides of the blank to define a passageway for communication of moisture from the container to the atmosphere for drying and long term storage of the leaf products. A method of defining passageways in the blank of paperboard is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: North American Container Corp.
    Inventors: John M. Grigsby, Jr., Jeffrey C. Banks
  • Patent number: 6465245
    Abstract: A laboratory apparatus, such as a tissue processor, includes a container for containing material which may emit noxious fumes, the container having a closure moveable between an open position and a closed position in which it closes off or opens a mouth of the container. A fume collecting arrangement is provided including vents provided adjacent the mouth or opening of the container and apparatus operable to draw in air, with fumes escaping from the container, whilst the closure is in the open position, and to pass the air carrying the fumes for treatment or to a disposal outlet. The apparatus operable to draw in air may be electrically operated and may be controlled by a switch operated automatically by opening and closing said closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventors: George Alan Walton, Susan Jane Graham
  • Patent number: 6454111
    Abstract: A receptacle for containing compost is provided which can be easily assembled and disassembled as needed. The receptacle is formed of durable materials creating an attractive appearance to the yard or garden. Metal brackets form the corners and define angularly positioned slots for receiving wooden slats which provide the side walls. The slats can later be removed when compost is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Two One One Partners
    Inventor: Robert A. Berryhill
  • Publication number: 20020081717
    Abstract: A composting container is disclosed which includes side walls, a base and an opening. The composting container defines an internal space. A platform in the container separates the internal space from a collection chamber below the platform. An aerator in the container is in communication with the outside air so that air can pass into the aerator and then flow into composting material within the container. Leachate which drains from the composting material is collected in the collection chamber below the platform. The aerator may be formed from wire mesh or from modular units which stack one above the other. Underside projections have apertures to enable air to flow out of the aerator into the composting material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Morrison
  • Patent number: 6401951
    Abstract: An enclosure system for providing a visual barrier with respect to various objects, including a tank of the type used to store fuel, water and other liquid and gaseous materials. The enclosure system includes an enclosure and a lid covering the enclosure. The enclosure is attached to the tank and is made from opaque materials such as wood or dyed plastic. Vent openings are provided to prevent the accumulation of undesirable vapors, e.g., fuel vapors, that may escape from the tank and accumulate between the enclosure and the tank. An attachment mechanism is provided for supporting the enclosure in a predetermined position relative to the tank, e.g., so that the bottom of the enclosure is positioned a few inches above the surface on which the tank rests. An optional second attachment mechanism is provided for ensuring the enclosure remains so positioned relative to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Schuyler Gould
  • Patent number: 6386384
    Abstract: A protective device for gas cylinders is provided that protects the body of the gas cylinder from damage, is light, does not affect the required heat exchange from the environment to the liquified gas within the gas cylinder and renders the gas cylinder assembly easier to stack for safe storage. The protective device in accordance with the principles of the invention comprises a top part and a bottom part forming a cavity within which the gas cylinder is placed. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the top part and bottom part are both made of synthetic materials and are interconnected during assembling process by a standard functional clipping device. These clippings may be broken in order for the protective device to be removed, allowing visual inspection of the gas cylinder without damaging the gas cylinder in the removal process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Amtrol, Inc.
    Inventors: William Chohfi, Jose Veiga Dias, Jose Portocarrero
  • Publication number: 20010047997
    Abstract: A vented container for produce having a base and a cover which are at least substantially impervious to gas transfer. The base includes a base panel and side walls. Preferably two vent apertures are formed through the side wall, and a plug is provided for each vent aperture, to permit the vent apertures to be selectively opened. The plugs may be mounted upon vent toggles, such that manual pivoting of the vent toggles will open or close the associated vent aperture. The selective opening of the vent apertures permits gas exchange between the interior of the container and the ambient atmosphere, providing improve storage for produce. Maintaining the vent apertures closed permits the container to be used as a normal sealed food storage container. The base panel preferably includes an alternating series of hills and troughs to segregate condensate within the container. The troughs may be downward concave to further subdivide the condensate within each trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: DOUGLAS M. LAIB, STEPHEN C. GRANER, EDWARD M. POSLINSKI, JOSEPH J. DUSKA, LAURENT E. FISCHER, MORISON S. COUSINS
  • Patent number: 6126067
    Abstract: A container for leaf product and other bulk pack materials wherein a first blank of paperboard is bonded to a second blank of paperboard. A field of bores are defined in at least one side wall of the container by a high-speed non-fluted drill for communication of moisture from the container to the atmosphere for drying and long term storage of the leaf products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: North American Container Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Grigsby, Jr., Jeffrey C. Banks
  • Patent number: 6102230
    Abstract: An enclosure system for providing a visual barrier with respect to various objects, including a tank of the type used to store fuel, water and other liquid and gaseous materials. The enclosure system includes an enclosure and a lid covering the enclosure. The enclosure is attached to the tank and is made from opaque materials such as wood or dyed plastic. Vent openings are provided to prevent the accumulation of undesirable vapors, e.g., fuel vapors, that may escape from the tank and accumulate between the enclosure and the tank. An attachment mechanism is provided for supporting the enclosure in a predetermined position relative to the tank, e.g., so that the bottom of the enclosure is positioned a few inches above the surface on which the tank rests. An optional second attachment mechanism is provided for ensuring the enclosure remains so positioned relative to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Schuyler Gould
  • Patent number: 6089395
    Abstract: A storage chest and method for drying bath tub toys is disclosed. The chest includes a removable perforated drying basket nested inside the chest. The basket includes a peripheral flange that supports the basket in a position inside the chest suitably spaced from the side walls and from the base to accommodate sanitary drying of toys. The basket flange seats on a shoulder flange molded integrally with the chest and may be snugly retained by a press-fit bead molded integrally with a lid. Ventilation ports provided in the side walls and lid accommodate drying air circulation and may serve also as pouring spouts and as hand grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventors: Patricia D. Karttunen, Timothy J. Bortka
  • Patent number: 6073790
    Abstract: In a plastic transport container having inwardly folding side walls the side walls are mutually fixed in the erect position by snap-in elements which can be released by mere finger pressure. This finger pressure for releasing the snap-in elements at the same time causes the side walls to fold inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Schoeller-Plast S.A.
    Inventor: Hans Umiker
  • Patent number: 6030579
    Abstract: A method for hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization of medical devices and similar instruments having long narrow lumens or diffusion restricted areas includes the step of pretreating the article to be sterilized with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide prior to exposure to a vacuum or a vacuum followed by plasma. The method is such that, upon vaporization of the solution caused by the vacuum, the hydrogen peroxide remains in contact with the article for a time sufficient to achieve sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Tralance O. Addy, Paul Taylor Jacobs, Szu-Min Lin, Jon Morrell Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6003715
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Walter H. Harris
  • Patent number: 5968459
    Abstract: A flash sterilization container (10) comprises a pan (12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). The filter (20) covers an opening in the cover (16) so that the inside of the container (10) formed when the cover is removably sealed to the pan (12) can communicate with the atmosphere surrounding the sealed container allowing steam to enter and exit the container passing through the filter (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container in then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. The filter (20) allows the steam to enter the interior of the container and sterilize any items contained therein. After sterilization, the container (10) is removed from the autoclave and any remaining steam escapes from the interior of the container through the filter (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Case Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Nalepa, Allan S. Frieze, Marcia A. Frieze
  • Patent number: 5947321
    Abstract: A molded foam container having a number of elongated horizontal side vents formed on its upper sidewalls. The container is designed to maintain the quality of food items packaged therein by venting moisture from the container and inhibiting contaminants from entering the container. The container may be stacked without blocking the vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Vadney
  • Patent number: 5931333
    Abstract: A container system is optimized for use as a microwave steamer. The container system includes a container, a lid, and a colander disposed between the lid and the container. The colander has smooth sides and integral hand grips. The integral hand grips vent vapor trapped between the colander and the container and allow easy lifting of the colander from the container. The colander also includes slot-like longitudinal openings on a side wall. Additionally, the lid includes a vent aperture which is a grate that prevents spattering of liquids from the container system. The lid is sealably engaged to the opening of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Anchor Hocking Plastics/Plastics Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Woodnorth, Johannes N. Gaston, Douglas J. Van Ornum
  • Patent number: 5850936
    Abstract: An integral wall formation for fruit and vegetables containers made of plastic has an outer surface having a plurality of longitudinally extending outer legs wherein adjacent legs define outer apertures therebetween. An inner surface has a plurality of longitudinally extending inner legs wherein adjacent inner legs define inner apertures therebetween. At least a majority of the inner apertures are staggered with respect to the outer apertures and in combination therewith form openings in regular arrangement for airing goods stored in the container. At least one crossbar extends transversely to and is adjoined with the inner legs and outer legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Schoeller-Plast S.A.
    Inventor: Hans Umiker
  • Patent number: 5843768
    Abstract: A container for collecting and storing compostable waste while minimizing offensive odors and the accumulation of insect or other pests near the container by providing specially designed ventilation and drainage. As shown in FIG. 1, the enclosed volume (12) of the bucket-like portion (1) is ventilated by means of a solid ventilation shaft (4) which penetrates the sealable lid (3) and passes air to and from the drainage chamber (7) below the suspended floor (5). Air below the suspended floor (5) circulates through ventilation/drainage holes (6) and the enclosed volume (12) and the contained waste. The circulating air maintains aerobic conditions in the waste thus minimizing offensive odors that would accompany anaerobic conditions. Water is allowed to drain from the waste through the ventilation/drainage holes and collect in the drainage chamber (7) below the suspended floor (5), where it cannot contribute to anaerobic conditions in the waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventors: Dennis J. Lin, Kent K. Knock
  • Patent number: 5794747
    Abstract: A skid pad has an actuatable drain for use with baggage carrying wet gear. A mesh compartment is provided in the bottom interior of the bag. Slidingly carried in the compartment is a valve member. The mesh compartment is in fluid communication with an opening provided in the bottom of the baggage. A skid pad having a plurality of holes thereon, is provided on the bottom of the bag for covering the opening in the bottom of the bag. When the valve member is removed, fluid may freely drain through the mesh compartment, the opening in the bottom of the bag, and ultimately through the holes provided in the skid pad. Because the holes in the skid pad are in recessed portions, and because of the configuration of the mesh compartment, fluid is allowed to drain from the baggage, but dirt and foreign debris is substantially prohibited from entering into the baggage through the drainage openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Akona Adventure Gear
    Inventor: Frank D. Bryant
  • Patent number: 5727711
    Abstract: A durable container for storing and transferring crops, such as fruits and vegetables, from the field to market is described. The container is adapted to provide efficient air or water circulation for the preservation of crops. Particularly, the container contains openings in the floor and the sides of the container, which are of a defined size and proportion of the total area, to allow for effective air or water circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignees: Her Majesty in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Laval University
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Emond, Clement Vigneault
  • Patent number: 5722559
    Abstract: Rotationally molded component parts for a skid steer loader are disclosed wherein the parts provide specialized operative functions heretofore unrealized. A fuel tank structure includes both a tank body and a separate filler tube formed from a rotational molding process. The filler tube is connected to the fuel tank body by a fastening mechanism and an O-ring to provide a liquid-tight connection, The coolant recovery bottle formed with the rotational molding process incorporates an inwardly directed vent tube formed as an integral part of the recovery bottle. The container for the operator's manual is formed with the rotational molding process to incorporate a live hinge connecting a lid closable against the body of the container to provide a substantially dirt-free environment. Double walled light housings mounting front and rear lights serve as bumpers protecting the frame of the skid steer loader from damage from impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Branham