For Gravity Discharge Patents (Class 222/166)
  • Patent number: 11565036
    Abstract: An assembly nest for transporting a tubular sub assembly of a drug delivery device on an automated production line, in which the tubular sub assembly includes a tubular body and a cap that is wider than the tubular body. The assembly nest includes a base against which a sub assembly of a drug delivery device is mountable to orientate said sub assembly in a predetermined position; and locking mechanism having a resilient member to urge the locking mechanism into one of: an unlocked position, in which a sub assembly of a drug delivery device can be mounted to the base; or a locked position, in which the locking mechanism engages a mounted sub assembly to retain it in its predetermined position on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Rau, Winfried Huthmacher, Sebastian Braun, Marc Schader, Markus Janiak, Michael Kneip, Martin Baumeyer, Peter Nober
  • Patent number: 11224880
    Abstract: A laboratory flask holder, comprising a holder portion configured to receive a laboratory flask, a frame connected to the holder portion, wherein the holder portion is configured to pivot about the frame such that a liquid may be dispensed from the laboratory flask without moving the frame, a temperature sensor arranged on the holder portion configured to determine a temperature of a liquid in the laboratory flask, and a display for providing an indication of the temperature of the liquid is provided. Methods of using the flask holder and a dispensing system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: KING ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Nawal Ghurmullah Hassan Almalki, Salah Eldin Mohamed Abu Aba
  • Patent number: 11172696
    Abstract: Popcorn machines having easily removable popping kettle assemblies are described herein. In some embodiments, a popcorn machine configured accordance with the present technology includes a cabinet and a pair of kettle supports mounted within the cabinet. A kettle assembly is configured to be positioned on the kettle supports and to pop popcorn placed in a kettle of the kettle assembly when the kettle assembly is in a popping position, and to discharge the popcorn when the kettle assembly is moved from the popping position to a dumping position. The kettle assembly can be lifted off the kettle supports in the popping position to facilitate removal of the kettle assembly from the cabinet for maintenance, cleaning, repair, replacement, etc. In some embodiments, the kettle assembly can be stopped in the dumping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: Charles D. Cretors
  • Patent number: 11059683
    Abstract: A weigh hopper assembly including a plurality of adjacently aligned weigh hoppers connected via a frame, and longitudinal conveyor mechanism extending along a top portion of the weigh hopper assembly. Each weigh hopper has independent load cells in order to individually weigh the material discharged into the weigh hopper. The conveyor mechanism includes a plurality of gates along a bottom surface of the conveyor mechanism, each gate being aligned with a corresponding weigh hopper of the plurality of weigh hoppers. The conveyor mechanism is in turn connected to a plurality of product bins. A top portion of the conveyor mechanism is in communication with a plurality of product bins via a series of inlet chutes and gates. The weigh hoppers are aligned adjacent to each other and spaced so that each weigh hopper aligns with the transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: New Vision Co-op
    Inventor: Grant J. Prins
  • Patent number: 10588308
    Abstract: An upper assembly has a housing adapted to receive a spray can of the type including a button with an exhaust port. The upper assembly has a lateral opening, an upper support arm is secured to and extends laterally from the housing, and a lower support arm. An actuating lever has an interior end pivotably coupled to the housing adjacent to the lateral opening, an exterior end formed with an upper aperture, and a central extent located above the button. A lower assembly has a cylindrical support and a trigger. The trigger has a pivot end rotatably coupled to the cylindrical support, a free end adapted to be depressed to rotate the pivot end of the trigger, a lower aperture adjacent to the pivot end, and a spring between the cylindrical support and the free end of the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Wayne L. Davis
  • Patent number: 10401213
    Abstract: A pan scale for weighing and ejecting fiber components onto a mixing belt includes an upwardly open container having a plurality of side walls and a bottom formed by a single piece comprising a rotatably hinged bottom flap rotatable from a closing position abutting on one of the side walls into an open position folded away from such side wall, or two pieces comprising rotatably hinged bottom flaps that are rotatable away from one another from an inner closing position abutting against one another into an outer open position. The single bottom flap or at least one of the two bottom flaps includes a retaining device on a bottom surface thereof. Upon opening of the respective bottom flap, a part of the fiber components are retained in the container by the retaining device up to a partial opening angle (?) of the bottom flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: TEMAFA Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Joerg Morgner
  • Patent number: 10220439
    Abstract: A casting mold supporting structure is provided herein which includes a support roller for supporting a part of a casting mold that is used in centrifugal casting. The casting mold has a supported surface (that is, a side surface of an end portion of the casting mold which end portion has a circular truncated cone shape) at which the casting mold is supported by the support roller. The supported surface is inclined with respect to a rotation axis of the casting mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naohisa Akiyama, Masaru Kohara, Shinichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10011475
    Abstract: A bucket bottling stand is described. The bucket bottling stand may comprise a top platform and a bottom platform that are attached via a hinge and one or more springs. The top surface of the top platform may include a recess for holding a container and the front of the top and bottom platform may include a hemispherical cut-out. One or more legs may be attached to the bottom platform. Upon emptying a container located on the top platform, the spring may tilt the top platform relative to the bottom platform to aid in dispensing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Wayne Earle Brekke
  • Patent number: 9956573
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing snow and ice from rooftops and walkways. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end, with a length adjustment mechanism. The first end of the shaft is configured to be gripped by a user, wherein the second end includes a fastener for removably securing a dispenser or a scraper thereto. The dispenser includes a container for receiving ice melting material therein and a cap removably covering an open end of the container. The cap includes a plurality of apertures that can dispense the ice melting material therethrough. A user operates the apparatus to dispense the ice melting material in normally inaccessible areas, such as roofs. The scraper includes a body that can break apart large formations of ice and an overhang that can be used to scrape off the broken pieces of ice from the difficult to reach areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Darryl Mansir
  • Patent number: 9907313
    Abstract: A system for overturning tanks, in particular tanks of kneading machines, includes a vertical supporting structure, an overturning unit, which is mobile along the structure between a lowered position and a raised position and can turn about an axis transverse to the vertical direction, and a system for driving the movement of said unit between said lowered position and said raised position. A further actuation system is provided for governing the movement of rotation of said unit independently of said movement between said lowered position and said raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Sancassiano S.p.A.
    Inventor: Davide Drocco
  • Patent number: 9675198
    Abstract: An outdoor food frying apparatus includes a frame having a pot support, a burner element supported upon the frame, and a pot that removably fits the frame. The pot has end walls, a rear wall, a front edge portion, and a bottom wall that gradually increases in curvature from said rear wall to said front edge portion. A basket is pivotally attached to the pot rear wall with one or more hinges. The basket is correspondingly sized and shaped to fit the pot interior. The basket is movable about the hinge between cooking and food discharge positions. The lid is pivotally attached to the pot. The lid is movable between a cooking position wherein the lid covers the pot upper opening and food discharge position wherein the lid rotates at least 180 degrees from said cooking position, forming a tray for receiving food discharged from the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: METAL FUSION, INC.
    Inventor: Norman Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 9651463
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing analysis samples for X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy that includes a crucible holder that supports a crucible with sample material and a casting dish that is provided underneath the crucible. The crucible is tiltably mounted in the crucible holder and the crucible holder along with crucible holder and the casting dish is handled as a single unit for loading and unloading the oven. The oven has a floor on which the crucible holder is positioned upright, and the portion of the floor receiving the crucible holder is designed as a turntable which imparts oscillating rotational motion to the crucible holder and crucible holder. The method entails placing the crucible with the sample material in the crucible holder while they are outside the oven and then placing entire crucible unit loosely in the oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Rainer Schramm
  • Patent number: 9593801
    Abstract: The water jug attachment is an essentially rectangular support device wherein the rectangular device is supported by three legs, wherein the single rear leg is mounted in the center of the back of the rectangular device and operates as a jack in order to lift and support the rear of the jug and tilt it toward the spout or spigot as the volume in the jug declines due to use allowing the water in the jug to pour out of the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Love
  • Patent number: 9539177
    Abstract: A medication dispensing station is provided. The medication dispensing station includes a support base and a cradle pivotally attached to the support base in an elevated position relative to the support base. A medication dispenser may be releasably attachable to the cradle. Therefore, a patient may easily attach the medication dispenser to the cradle, and pivot the cradle to dispense the medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Stefan Erik Solvell
  • Patent number: 9382065
    Abstract: An intermediate bulk storage container for the storage or transport of particulate catalyst material includes a vessel having an inner wall defining a containment volume for particulate catalyst material. The vessel has a cylindrical wall section, a top panel closing the upper end of the cylindrical wall section and a conical base section connected to and tapering inwardly away from the lower end of the cylindrical wall section. An opening in the top panel of the container receives the catalyst material and a closure member closes the opening. An air tight seal is formed when the opening is closed by the closure member. A gas duct is in fluid connection with the vessel for supplying an inert gas to the sealed container or removing gas from the vessel to place the container under a vacuum. The gas duct is closed by a valve for transit or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: DIALOG CONSTRUCTION SDN. BHD.
    Inventor: Philip Gallacher
  • Patent number: 9198834
    Abstract: A medication dispensing station is provided. The medication dispensing station includes a support base and a cradle pivotally attached to the support base in an elevated position relative to the support base. A medication dispenser may be releasably attachable to the cradle. Therefore, a patient may easily attach the medication dispenser to the cradle, and pivot the cradle to dispense the medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Stefan Erik Solvell
  • Publication number: 20150108169
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser comprises a bottle holder, a motor, and a controller. The bottle holder is configured to hold a bottle of a liquid beverage. The motor is connected to the bottle holder to cause the bottle holder to tilt. The controller is configured to control the bottle holder via the motor to experience multiple tilting movements, including multiple tilting movements each causing the bottle to tilt by a predetermined angular amount to bring the bottle into a pouring position to dispense a portion of the liquid beverage from the bottle into a serving receptacle. The liquid beverage may be wine, and the serving receptacle may be a wine glass. The liquid beverage may be liquor, and the serving receptacle may be a shot glass. The portion of the liquid may be an amount of liquid to fill the receptacle to a designated level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Richard A. Bishel
  • Patent number: 8915401
    Abstract: A dosage-dispensing unit with an interior space, delimited by a lateral wall and a bottom portion. The bottom portion further includes an outlet orifice. The dosage-dispensing unit can be connected to a holder device of a dosage-dispensing device. The holder device is supported by constraints that allow movement in a prescribed direction. The outlet orifice has a central longitudinal axis that is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to this prescribed direction of movement. The internal surface of the bottom portion facing towards the interior space includes a surface region having at least a line segment that starts at the outlet orifice and extends in the prescribed direction of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Paul Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 8905269
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for dispensing pourable materials packaged in a pail or bulk container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: John D Everard, Charles T Reed
  • Publication number: 20140190994
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for dispensing pourable materials packaged in a pail or bulk container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: John D. Everard, Charles T. Reed
  • Publication number: 20140116269
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for heat exchange with a product, comprising: a tubular recipient internally housing the product, where the tubular recipient comprises a cross-section comprising a U-shaped geometry; at least one thermal device for heating or cooling the product, where said at least one thermal element comprises an inflow duct and an outflow duct for a heat transfer fluid; and at least one scraper blade inside the tubular recipient and configured for entraining the product inside said tubular recipient; which allows accelerating the product heating or cooling time as a result of a great improvement in the heat transfer; as well as simplifying the design of the components forming part the machine object of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: HRS INVESTMENTS LTD.
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Abad Ruiz, Marcos Antonio Al'arcon Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8690017
    Abstract: A powder dispenser for a waste disposal system includes a mounting portion that is adapted to be secured to a waste disposal unit, and a container defining an interior space in which a powder such as sodium bicarbonate may be stored. The container is releasably mounted to the underside of a hinged lid member of the waste disposal unit. A directional dispensing system is provided for dispensing powder from the container into a targeted portion of the waste disposal system. The directional dispensing system is constructed and arranged to concentrate initial dispersal of the powder to a single side of the container and includes a dispensing orifice. The dispensing orifice is preferably oriented to limit initial dispersal of the powder within a defined angular range with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lid member, and is spaced axially and laterally with respect to the waste disposal unit at distances that facilitate distribution of the powder to desired targeted portions of the waste disposal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8690021
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a container liner with an aerate system which reduces the specific bulk density of the powder material inside the liner and thereby improves the flowability of the product. This significantly reduces the unloading time and increases the safety in relation to the discharge process due to a lower response angle and thereby that the required tilting angle of the cargo container is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Ofer Asraf
  • Patent number: 8662351
    Abstract: A secondary container assembly includes a skirt configured to securely and removably engage the rim of a beverage can. The secondary container includes a secondary compartment holding a secondary liquid. A primary flow channel extends through the secondary container to provide a fluid flow path from the open beverage can to an outlet of the secondary container. A plurality of mixing apertures provide fluid communication ports between the secondary compartment and the primary flow channel, allowing the secondary liquid to mix with beverage from the can in the primary flow channel. A vent tube prevents a vacuum from forming that would otherwise impede flow of the secondary liquid into the primary flow channel. A removable seal covers the outlet and mixing ports. A threaded lid holds the seal in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Fadi Kalaouze
  • Patent number: 8647587
    Abstract: A powder dispenser for a waste disposal system includes a mounting portion that is adapted to be secured to a waste disposal unit, and a container defining an interior space in which a powder such as sodium bicarbonate may be stored. The container is releasably mounted to the underside of a hinged lid member of the waste disposal unit. A directional dispensing system is provided for dispensing powder from the container into a targeted portion of the waste disposal system. The directional dispensing system is constructed and arranged to concentrate initial dispersal of the powder to a single side of the container and includes a dispensing orifice. The dispensing orifice is preferably oriented to limit initial dispersal of the powder within a defined angular range with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lid member, and is spaced axially and laterally with respect to the waste disposal unit at distances that facilitate distribution of the powder to desired targeted portions of the waste disposal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8640924
    Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus includes a lifting system and a water reservoir. The apparatus automatically installs a water bottle by lowering and inverting the water reservoir atop a water bottle, coupling the water reservoir to the water bottle, and raising and inverting the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith. One or more compartments are filled with water from the inverted water bottle, and water is dispensed from each compartment through a dispenser. Multiple compartments may be included in the water reservoir, with the water in one compartment being electrically cooled and water in another compartment being electrically heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Inspiration Trend, LLC
    Inventors: Gonzalo Almada, Ian Kovacevich, Kevin Dahlquist, Thomas Philpott
  • Patent number: 8567627
    Abstract: The invention is a small container for storing and discharging liquid and/or pasty materials. The container has a cylindrical tank with a cleaning portal mounted in the top-most portion thereof, and a base further comprising a discharge hopper. The base is configured with a wedge shape and is manufactured from material capable of being deep-drawn. The base is produced in one piece with the discharge hopper. The discharge hopper is shaped jointly with the base by means of a cupping procedure and is sloped at an angle of approximately 12°. An upper area of the base is molded with a first stroke of the cupping procedure and the drainage hopper, as an eccentric drainage cup, is molded with a second stroke. The container can have a stacking support assembly mounted on an upper portion of the container, and a stacking acceptance assembly mounted on a lower portion of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ucon AG Containersysteme KG
    Inventor: Klaus Schmider
  • Publication number: 20130168414
    Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus includes a lifting system and a water reservoir. The apparatus automatically installs a water bottle by lowering and inverting the water reservoir atop a water bottle, coupling the water reservoir to the water bottle, and raising and inverting the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith. One or more compartments are filled with water from the inverted water bottle, and water is dispensed from each compartment through a dispenser. Multiple compartments may be included in the water reservoir, with the water in one compartment being electrically cooled and water in another compartment being electrically heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: INSPIRATION TREND, LLC
    Inventor: INSPIRATION TREND, LLC
  • Patent number: 8408420
    Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus includes a lifting system and a water reservoir. The apparatus automatically installs a water bottle by lowering and inverting the water reservoir atop a water bottle, coupling the water reservoir to the water bottle, and raising and inverting the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith. One or more compartments are filled with water from the inverted water bottle, and water is dispensed from each compartment through a dispenser. Multiple compartments may be included in the water reservoir, with the water in one compartment being electrically cooled and water in another compartment being electrically heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Inspiration Trend, LLC
    Inventors: Gonzalo Almada, Ian Kovacevich, Kevin Dahlquist, Thomas Philpott
  • Publication number: 20130022441
    Abstract: A method of bulk transport of proppant is disclosed comprising: transporting proppant in an intermodal transport container to a well site, the intermodal transport container having four vertical walls, a roof, and a base, defining an enclosed interior, the proppant being loosely disposed within the enclosed interior; and unloading at least a portion of the proppant through one or more gates in the intermodal transport container at the well site. An apparatus for bulk transport of proppant is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: THOR'S OIL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jim Uhryn, Gaylord Granrud, Johnson Lu
  • Publication number: 20120305595
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage pouch or bladder supporting container having a plurality of elements for the purposes of efficiently dispensing, storing and preserving the beverage contained within the pouch, all while presenting an outward appearance that is tasteful and decorative. The container comprises an enclosure having an internal volume and a base, wherein the volume is actively cooled using a refrigeration system or alternatively is insulated for retaining a plurality of freezable blocks or a quantity of ice therein. Along the forward face of the enclosure is an aperture adapted to accept the spout of the beverage pouch, while an attachable or pull-out drip tray is positioned therebelow. Within the interior of the enclosure may further be provided a bladder support element, comprising a means to suspend, compress or elevate the bag for more efficient and constant-flow dispensing of its contents through the externally-mounted spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Cathy Braun, Holly Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20120091119
    Abstract: An electric tea kettle (2) comprising a stationary base (4) and a body (6) disposed on the base (4). The body (6) has a spout (44) and defines an inner chamber (62) wherein water is boiled. The body (6) is rotatable with respect to the base (4) between an upright position suitable for filling the inner chamber (62) with water and a pouring position in which boiled water may be enabled to flow out of the inner chamber (62) through the spout (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: ADJO DESIGNS PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: Adrian Lim
  • Publication number: 20120000929
    Abstract: Packaging for a powdered beverage includes a container of powdered beverage, and a dispenser secured to the container. The dispenser includes an outer dispensing member having an exit opening, and an inner dispensing member in opposed relationship with the outer dispensing member and in part defining an interior space of the container. The inner dispensing member has at least one dispensing opening. At least one of the outer dispensing member and the inner dispensing member is moveable relative to the other one of the outer dispensing member and the inner dispensing member between a blocked position and a dispensing position of the dispenser in which the at least one opening of the inner dispensing member is at least in part aligned with the exit opening of the outer member to permit powdered beverage to be dispensed from the packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventors: David Carl Ulstad, Wilson George Zeitler, Dean Maune, Tobe Cohen, Ilan E. Moyer, Andrew Boyce, Philip Charles Walker, Allan Lee Cameron, Elizabeth M. Kneen, Gaurav Rohatgi, Jeffrey Kalman, Bill Rabbitt, Marc Vitantonio, Craig Saunders, Keith E. Antal, Chad Lagace
  • Publication number: 20100258584
    Abstract: A dispensing system and method of use for the transient storage and dispensing of solid particulate materials is described. The dispensing system includes: a container comprising front and back walls and two side walls, a bottom, a pour spout affixed to the front wall, a container support tube joined to the side walls of the container; a container support stand comprising a base affixed to two upright members adjacent to the side walls of the container; a support rod which passes through the bag support tube and rotatably connects the container to the upright members of the container support stand; and a locking member which when engaged prevents rotation of the container; wherein the container can rotate at least about 180 degrees from the vertical when the locking member is not engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Shaw
  • Patent number: 7708241
    Abstract: A decanting apparatus for wine and the like and method of use thereof wherein a source vessel is compressed within a cradle having an open end where the lip of the mouth of the source vessel communicates with the lip of a decanting receptacle. A pair of adjustable vertical support members are hinged to the open end of the cradle. The apparatus has a drive mechanism for tilting the vessel relative to the vertical support members and a control unit for operatively controlling the means for tilting, allowing for an unattended decanting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Steve D. Wiemholt
  • Publication number: 20100038377
    Abstract: According to the invention, a mandrel, provided with tabs for holding jars containing powders and for turning the jars upside down in order to empty them through the neck, is equipped with vibration generators for exciting the walls of the jar in order to shake off the powder masses adhering thereto. The method is much more efficient than even more energetic shock applications, and frequency scanning can further be advantageously applied. One application relates to an emptying step in methods for the production of nuclear fuel pellets by powder agglomeration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: AREVA NC
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Pages, Jocelyn Perisse, Pascal Vouagner
  • Publication number: 20080197587
    Abstract: Combination cart and stand device comprised of a main frame assembly, a wheel assembly operatively coupled proximate to one end of the main frame assembly, and inner and outer support members pivotally coupled to the main frame assembly at a location distal from said wheel assembly wherein the main frame assembly, the inner support member, and the outer support member nest together to form a folded cart configuration while the main frame supports a liquid dispensing container which is transported by wheels of the wheel assembly rolling along an underlying surface of the device and wherein the inner and outer support members pivot apart and the main frame assembly pivots to an inverted elevated position for forming a stand configuration for supporting the liquid dispensing container in an elevated liquid dispensing position. Other types of containers can also be employed with the combination cart and stand device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Adam Nowak
  • Patent number: 7413102
    Abstract: A pourable cooking receptacle construction (10) that includes an open framework member (20) having a base (21) and a pair of support arms (24) wherein, each support arm is provided with a mounting post (40) and a cooking pot member (30) having a pair of cylindrical collar members (50) connected on opposite sides of the cooking pot member (30) by axle elements (51) wherein, the collar members (50) are further provided with locking levers (54) that engage the mounting posts (40) so that the cooking pot member (30) can be raised and lowered relative to the mounting posts (40) and pivoted about the axle elements (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Scott G. Borchardt
  • Patent number: 7331277
    Abstract: A container positioner assembly for use in positioning a volume of material in a container relative to a dispensing apparatus. The container positioner assembly includes structures for engagement with the apparatus allowing relative movement of a container attached thereto. The container positioner assembly may include an assist system which facilitates biased movement of the container relative to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Burton L. Hart, John T. Knepler, Kevin G. Lowe, David Wurtzler
  • Patent number: 7178695
    Abstract: A dispenser for depositing at least one of lines and stripes of at least one material, comprising a trolley having front and back wheels and securing at least one container on a platform thereof, the trolley being movable between an in-use position, wherein the trolley is straighten up on the front wheels thereof allowing a content of the at least one container to be out from at least one aperture on a bottom part of the at least one container, and an out-of use position, wherein the trolley rests on rear wheels thereof and the content of the at least one container is stopped from flowing out from the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Jean-Claude Malenfant et al.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Malenfant, Eric Malenfant, Yves Malenfant
  • Patent number: 7137533
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system provides for the secure, and aesthetically appealing, dispensing of beverages from beverage filled containers. The beverage dispensing system includes a housing adapted to receive a beverage filled container, a retractable stand for raising the rear of the housing to encourage complete dispensing of beverage, a labeling system to identify the contents of the beverage filled container, and aesthetically appealing ornamentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Jennifer Heath
  • Patent number: 7080758
    Abstract: A primary panel (10) is provided for cooperation with a liquid filled flexible packaging bag during withdrawal intermittently of the contents thereof. The primary panel has at least an operatively forward zone (9) adapted for attachment to a base (3), generally the bottom of a box (1), in a relatively fixed position with respect to the base. A normally inclined zone (10) attached to the forward zone is adapted to flex between a position in which it is generally parallel to the base under conditions corresponding to a full flexible packaging bag and positions in which it is inclined relative to the base under conditions corresponding to a partially filled or substantially empty flexible packaging bag. The inclined zone is resiliently biased relative to the forward zone towards said inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Tap-It Liquid Solutions (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Ronald Archibald Jones
  • Patent number: 6988865
    Abstract: A barrel handling system includes a stationary support platform, a support housing, a gripping claw, a first actuator, a second actuator, and a vibrator. The support housing is pivotably coupled to the support platform. The gripping claw is pivotably coupled to the support housing. The gripping claw has an interior shape adapted to grip and hold a barrel. The first actuator is coupled to a first portion of the gripping claw for opening and closing the gripping claw. The second actuator is coupled to a second portion of the gripping claw for driving a pivotal movement of the gripping claw relative to the support housing. The vibrator is coupled to a third portion of the gripping claw for vibrating a barrel when a barrel is held by the gripping claw. The vibrator aids in emptying the contents of a barrel more effectively and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Steven A. Cardwell
  • Patent number: 6962271
    Abstract: A dispensing system for returnable bulk shipping containers and more particularly to a apparatus and method for selectively emptying the contents of bulk containers which, when emptied, can be returned to the supplier for refilling. The apparatus comprises a hoist having vertical lift capability. A rotator provided on the hoist provides horizontal rotation capability to a container press. A funnel cap is provided with the container press which is configured to replace the cover of the container, thereby retaining any structural integrity afforded by the cover. The funnel cap includes a selectively operable valve. The funnel cap operates in conjunction with a platen which is used to initially support the container in its upright position. The funnel cap and platen are movable away from one another to enable containers to be inserted or removed therefrom. The funnel cap and platen are movable toward one another to enable a container to be engaged and retained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sertapak, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Robert Gregson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6783033
    Abstract: A dispenser for magnetic objects includes a base having a curved rack. A barrel is attached to the base and has an opening with a magnet adjacent to it for retaining paperclips or other magnetic objects in an easy-access position. The barrel is mounted on a pivot arm and has a pinion attached to its side that co-operates with the rack upon pivotal movement of the pivot arm relative to the base so that the barrel rotates to an inverted orientation. The invention is particularly useful when the barrel becomes almost empty of paperclips. Pivotal inversion of the barrel allows remaining clips to fall toward the opening to be retained by the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: C. C. & L Company Limited
    Inventor: Sik-Leung Chan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040099690
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for emptying containers containing an elastomer are disclosed. The system includes a holding device that receives a container containing the elastomer. Connected to the holding device is a rotation assembly that allows the holding device to be rotated about an axis of rotation for assisting in emptying the container held by the holding device. Additionally, the holding device allows a bag within the container containing elastomer to be secured such that the elastomer may be easily separated from the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Shawn Elliott, Kenneth Kanca, Donald Siwicki, Edward Zuromski
  • Publication number: 20040099691
    Abstract: The automatic drink server will provide users with security, convenience, accessibility, and luxury of cocktails and other drinks in limousines, airplanes, and boats. The automatic drink sever can also be used in private settings such as bathrooms, kitchens, rotunda, gardens, porches, and balconies. This invention will leave people hands free and permit greater interpersonal interactions during parties and/or traveling. It can be placed near a bathtub for one to use during romantic baths or quiet evenings in balconies, gardens, or boats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Christophe Obolo
  • Patent number: 6722590
    Abstract: An improved spreader assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a tailgate and a bumper. The improved spreader assembly includes a hopper and a retaining arrangement. The hopper has an upper section and a bottom section. The bottom section has a base surface adapted to at least partially rest on a top surface of the bumper. The retaining arrangement includes a band that fits at least about a portion of a front face of the upper section of the hopper. One end of the band is adapted to connect to the vehicle to maintain at least a portion of a back face of the upper section at least closely adjacent to the tailgate of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: James A. Kost, Josh Vyrostek
  • Patent number: 6715647
    Abstract: A funnel with support assembly for pouring paint from a can, having a funnel and a funnel support having a holster and a stand upon which the holster is supported. The funnel may be supported upon the funnel support. The funnel has a large opening located in proximity to the funnel top, a small opening located in proximity to the funnel bottom, and a cap for sealing its small opening. In use, the holster and stand are positioned above a paint tray. The user seals the small opening of the funnel with the cap and attaches the large opening of the funnel to the top of an open can of paint. The can of paint and the attached funnel are then inverted and positioned within the holster. The user begins the flow of paint by removing the cap from the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Todd Ivins