With Bypass Or Return To Supply Patents (Class 222/318)
  • Patent number: 5554225
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser for use in consistently depositing relatively thick and lumpy materials onto receiving surfaces which employs a supply path to a plurality of pump/valve combinations and a feedback pressure line to assure an adequate pressure at the point of deposit. There are positive displacement pumps which operate continuously through the plurality of valves with an additional feedback path to assure constant flow of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: The Pillsbury Company
    Inventor: Jimmy A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 5553746
    Abstract: A plain water boost system for a carbonated beverage dispenser provides for a pressure boost of plain water to be dispensed without the need for a second pump. A pressure regulator protected by an isolation valve is actuated when plain water is dispensed to reduce the output pressure of the carbonator input pump to an appropriate level for dispensing pressure boosted plain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Wilshire Partners
    Inventor: Brian C. Jones
  • Patent number: 5536313
    Abstract: An intermittent coating apparatus for intermittently coating a continuously running base member with a coating material includes a nozzle for discharging the coating material toward the base member and an absorption unit for controlling a flow of the coating material. The nozzle has a slit opened toward the base member and a manifold connected to the slit. The absorption unit includes a head having an inlet, an outlet, and a passage connecting the inlet and the outlet. The head is located in a housing. The absorption unit also includes a driving unit for sliding the head in the direction of a shaft located in the housing. By the sliding operation of the head, an absorption space is formed between an end face of the head and the manifold. In order to stop the coating operation, the supply of the coating material from an external supply opening to the inlet of the head is stopped by the sliding movement of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Watanabe, Tsumoru Ohata
  • Patent number: 5535918
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing vessel having an air space above the liquid near the top of the vessel has a fluid pump with a suction inlet and a pressure outlet. The pump is operable in a first mode to pump liquid and in a second mode to pump air. There is a first conduit coupling the suction inlet and liquid near the bottom of the vessel, a second conduit coupling the suction inlet and the air space above the liquid near the top of the vessel, a third conduit coupling the pressure outlet to a dispensing device, and a fourth conduit coupling the pressure outlet to liquid near the bottom of the vessel. A valving arrangement is effective to block both the second and fourth conduits for operating the pump in the first mode, and to open the second and fourth conduits for operating the pump in the second mode. The valving arrangement is preferably formed by valves in the second and fourth conduits and an arrangement which is common to the two valves for contemporaneous opening and closing both valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Tuthill Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Hathaway, Harold D. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 5495963
    Abstract: A variable restrictor valve for use in an intermittent dispensing system having a recirculation loop. The restrictor valve establishes a more linear relationship between the amount of adjustment made thereto and the resulting pressure drop over the restrictor valve in the recirculation loop. A first embodiment of the restrictor valve changes the length of the flow path created by a helical groove to thereby adjust the flow resistance through the valve. A second embodiment uses a valve member in the form of a perforated cylindrical tube which is adjustable to present a varying number of perforations as the inlet to the tube and thereby allow adjustment of the flow resistance. A third embodiment utilizes a helical spring as a valve member in which adjustable spacing between the coils of the spring provides adjustability of the flow rate through the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Scott R. Miller, Roger A. Ziecker
  • Patent number: 5485941
    Abstract: A recirculation system associated with an automated dosing apparatus employs pressurized supply canisters for flowable materials to be dosed and a recirculation loop which permits the flowable materials to be recirculated through the dosing head and returned to the pressurized supply canisters. The recirculation system includes a buffer reservoir which is fluid-connected to both the dosing head and the pressurized supply canister. During a recirculation mode, the flowable material supplied to the dosing head will be caused to recirculate through channels defined in the dosing head and thereafter be directed to the buffer reservoir. The recirculated paint will accumulate in the buffer reservoir until the recirculation mode has been completed. At that time, a transfer mode will be initiated so as to cause the buffer reservoir to be pressurized greater than the pressure existing in the stock canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignees: BASF Corporation, Cydec S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Guyomard, James L. Anderson, Jr., Alfred Frank, Georges Chavaillaz
  • Patent number: 5480063
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a fluid chamber and a fill tube which forms a closed loop with the fluid chamber. A pair of level sensors are disposed adjacent to the fill tube. Fluid is directed from the fluid chamber into the fill tube through a fill valve. When the fluid level in the fill tube rises to a first predetermined level, the fill valve is closed and a discharge valve is opened to dispense the contents of the fill tube into a container. When the level of the fluid in the fill tube drops to a second predetermined level, the discharge valve is closed and the cycle is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventors: Denis E. Keyes, John R. Randall, Jr., James V. Curcio
  • Patent number: 5458684
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for spraying hot melt adhesive includes a gear pump for providing a metered flow of hot melt adhesive. When a valve member is in a first position, a predetermined rate of flow of hot melt adhesive is conducted from the gear pump to a nozzle. When the valve member is in the first position, the valve member blocks a flow of adhesive to a recirculation passage. When the valve member is in a second position, the valve member directs the flow of adhesive from the gear pump to the recirculation passage and blocks a flow of adhesive to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Scott R. Miller, Carl C. Cucuzza
  • Patent number: 5445674
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser for use in consistently depositing relatively thick and lumpy materials onto receiving surfaces which employs a supply path to a plurality of pump/valve combinations and a feedback pressure line to assure an adequate pressure at the point of deposit. There are positive displacement pumps which operate continuously through the plurality of valves with an additional feedback path to assure constant flow of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: The Pillsbury Company
    Inventor: Jimmy A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 5417346
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing a series of vessels arranged in parallel, a vacuum system to draw chemical from one or more bulk sources into the vessels, and a pressure system to deliver chemical under pressure from the vessels, chemicals can be easily delivered from any bulk source to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous and uniform chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure. Computer controlled process systems provides system flexibility and full automation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Chemical Solutions
    Inventors: Edward T. Ferri, Jr., J. Tobin Geatz
  • Patent number: 5411176
    Abstract: Distributor for fluid products, comprising a flexible bag (1) filled with the product to be distributed and connected in a sealed manner to a pump (3) sealed from the air. A body (5) encloses the bag (1) and the pump (3). An actuating button (9) for the pump provided with an outlet for the product to be distributed. A movable member (10) is interposed between the downstream end (3') of the pump (3) and the outlet in the button (9) for the product, this movable member (10) having a first conduit (13) which in a first position of the movable member (10) places the upstream end (3') of the pump (3) directly in communication with the outlet of the button (9), and at least one second conduit comprising a direct circuit and a branch (22, 24, 25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: LIR-France
    Inventor: Bernard Favre
  • Patent number: 5360139
    Abstract: An automated fueling facility allows untrained persons to safely dispense homogenous phase liquid methane from a cryogenic storage tank into a motor vehicle. The fueling facility automatically maintains pressure on the liquid methane within a predetermined safe operating range using methane gas trapped in the cryogenic storage tank. The pressure on the liquid methane is at least set equal to a set pressure equal to the sum of the saturation pressure of the liquid methane plus an additional amount to help to ensure that it remains in a fully saturated condition after absorbing any heat during pumping from the storage tank. A pump is cooled by placing it in the storage tank and circulating liquid methane through the pump and back into the storage tank. A dispenser, including nozzle for connecting to a motor vehicle, is cooled by circulating liquid through the nozzle and back to the storage tank through a receptacle on the dispenser to which the nozzle is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Hydra Rig, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Goode
  • Patent number: 5357883
    Abstract: A trailer vehicle for distributing a fertilizing manure slurry to a field which includes a slurry distribution assembly mounted to the rear of the vehicle having four slurry distribution units, each with three plow teeth and a slurry distribution nozzle associated with the teeth for feeding the slurry at root level in the soil. The distribution assembly includes an elongated manifold with four flexible conduits extending from the manifold to each nozzle on the distribution units. The manifold communicates with the slurry tank. The trailer vehicle can also have a special suspension to maintain the tank relatively level. The trailer has three sets of wheels which are articulated in tandem, and the rear wheels of the trailer can be steered in the arc traced by the motive vehicle pulling the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Wic Inc.
    Inventor: Marcel Depault
  • Patent number: 5339990
    Abstract: Liquids are segregated into separate chambers within a common container. The chambers are formed by fabricating the container in an hourglass design thus dividing it into upper and lower segments. The chambers are serviced by separate pumps which draw the constituent liquids independently and deliver them through a common outlet. The chambers are isolated from one another by inserting the pump servicing the lower chamber through the upper chamber and fitting it snugly into the waist of the hourglass. The pumps servicing the upper and lower chambers move in tandem and are fixed together by a common pump head. The pump head also serves as the outlet through which the constituent liquids are delivered. Liquid is delivered in fixed quantities from the lower chamber via an elongated pump mechanism. Liquid is delivered in adjustable quantities from the upper chamber via a modified pump design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Robert E. Wilder
  • Patent number: 5335854
    Abstract: An electrically isolating pressure feed paint reservoir suitable for holding electrically conductive paint applied with an electrostatic spray gun. A paint container is located in an electrically insulated housing which is mounted on a dolly for portability. The housing also mounts a pneumatically operated paint pump for delivering pressurized paint to the spray gun. When a lid to the housing is removed the high voltage power source is turned off and any high voltage present in the housing is discharged through a resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Ransburg Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Seitz, Michael D. Elbertson
  • Patent number: 5330072
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing a series of vessels arranged in parallel, a vacuum system to draw chemical from one or more bulk sources into the vessels, and a pressure system to deliver chemical under pressure from the vessels, chemicals can be easily delivered from any bulk source to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous and uniform chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure. Computer controlled process systems provides system flexibility and full automation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Applied Chemical Solutions
    Inventors: Edward T. Ferri, Jr., J. Tobin Geatz
  • Patent number: 5311921
    Abstract: A pulverulent casting auxiliary (6) is removed from a supply tank (1) in the fluidized state and conveyed through a screw conveyor (10) via a continuous-casting mold (12). At the end of the screw conveyor (10) a return line (30) is provided via which the quantity of casting auxiliary (6) not removed at the removal points (19) disposed over the bath surface (18) is returned into the supply tank (1) in a circulating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Intocast GmbH Feuerfestprodukte und Giesshilfsmittel
    Inventor: Hans-Friedrich Smets
  • Patent number: 5305917
    Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is provided for simultaneously dispensing metered quantities of a plurality of materials into a common receptacle. Pump modules each containing a plurality of individual pump members are arranged in a rectangular pattern, between a base plate and a drive plate. The drive plate is raised and lowered, toward and away from the base plate, by a pair of drive screws. The plurality of individual pump members are thus simultaneously operated to dispense different materials into a common receptacle, at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventors: William A. Miller, Theodore R. Arneson, Andrew V. Platacis, Jeffrey D. Krull
  • Patent number: 5301601
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing means for popcorn popping oil. Popcorn popping oil is provided in a plastic bag contained within a rectangular box. The plastic bag is provided with a dispensing arrangement having a quick couple connection provided thereon. The dispensing means includes a housing having shelves for supporting the boxes in a tilted position wherein the dispensing point is lower most such that all of the popcorn popping oil may be drained from the bag within the box. The shelves are provided with electrical heaters which maintain the popcorn popping oil at a desired viscosity. A pump is provided for withdrawing the popcorn popping oil from the bags and supplying it to a popping kettle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: C. Cretors & Company
    Inventor: Charles D. Cretors
  • Patent number: 5279446
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system incorporates an insulated python for delivering a plurality of beverages from sources thereof to remotely located dispensing valves. A coolant line extends through the python for cooling the beverages. A pump provides for pumping of a coolant through the coolant line from a refrigerated source thereof, through the python and back to the refrigerated source. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the circulating coolant for regulating the operation of the pump in accordance with the sensed temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: The Cornelius Company
    Inventors: Christopher M. Cook, Andrew Rigby
  • Patent number: 5268153
    Abstract: An apparatus dispenses a solid-form chemical in the form of a dilute solution which is ready for immediate use. The apparatus supports a capsule of the solid chemical in an inverted position above a spray nozzle. A supply of solvent for the chemical is split into two portions, one of which is directed to the spray nozzle for spraying at the exposed surface of the solid chemical to form a concentrated solution of the chemical. The other portion of the solvent is directed to the outlet of the housing where it mixes with the concentrated chemical solution so that the solution is diluted to a desired concentration for use prior to being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Sanolite Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Muller
  • Patent number: 5257723
    Abstract: A bulk melting and supplying apparatus comprises a platen assembly including a follower, a heating platen located beneath the follower and a pump which are insertable as a unit into the open top of a shipping barrel or drum in position so that the heating platen contacts and melts a portion of the solid thermoplastic material within the drum converting it to a molten state for delivery to the inlet of the pump. The outlet of the pump associated with the platen assembly is connected by a line to one or more thermoplastic dispensers or applicators, and structure is provided within the platen assembly to recirculate unused material from the dispensers or applicators back to the input side of the pump without exposing the material to atmosphere or otherwise causing degradation of such material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Jorg-Olaf Bagung
  • Patent number: 5240151
    Abstract: A pump for use with containers with differential and transmission oil includes an adjustable collar for attachment to the containers, and a length adjustable casing to facilitate oil removal from the bottoms of the containers. The pump is manually operated and includes a flexible tube for delivery of the oil to a desired location. A bell-shaped adjustable collar facilitates an attachment of the pump to the top of the container, and an overflow line having a sight gauge can be used to determine when no more oil should be pumped to the receiving structure. Small baffles may also be provided interiorly of the pump casing to prevent solid residue and particles from being pumped into the differential or transmission of a vehicle. In a modified embodiment, the baffles comprise thin magnetized plates so as to be particularly effective in capturing ferromagnetic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Robert R. Worm
  • Patent number: 5232128
    Abstract: A rotary drum assembly contains a flowable material and includes peripheral openings through which the material can flow to form pieces of the material on a belt traveling beneath the drum assembly. A guide contacts the outer periphery of the drum assembly for pressing residual material back into the openings. The guide can be pivoted away from the drum assembly for servicing, and can be adjusted to different positions around the circumference of the drum assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Santrade Ltd.
    Inventor: Reinhard Froeschke
  • Patent number: 5228594
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system utilizes a microprocessor based electronic control and a positive displacement gear pump to accurately meter predetermined batches of liquid pumped from a supply tank. The gear pump is driven by a reversible motor through a gear reducer, and is operative to pump a predetermined fixed volume of liquid for each revolution or fraction of revolution of the pump drive shaft. A passive magnetic sensor is positioned adjacent the toothed periphery of a target wheel, which is mounted on the motor shaft, and generates a signal representative of the amount of rotation of the pump drive shaft. The electronic control is responsive to this signal for calculating the total volume of liquid dispaced by the pump. The electronic control includes a keyboard which enables a user to preprogram the precise amount of liquid to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Aslin
  • Patent number: 5224526
    Abstract: Bottles, cans or other types of containers are filled with accurately metered quantities of a liquid by employing a number of discrete filling units which orbit about a vertical axis and are provided with metering chambers receiving liquid from a main source of supply. The metering chambers are overfilled with liquid, and the excess is collected and returned to the main source. The filling units and certain other parts (such as an annular vessel of the main source) of the apparatus can be of modular design to facilitate storage and transport of modules which are assembled into a container filling apparatus at the filling plant. The method and apparatus can be utilized with advantage for the admission of metered quantities of carbonated and/or pulp-containing beverages into bottles or cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: alfill Getranketechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Mette, Wolfgang Fiwek
  • Patent number: 5211475
    Abstract: A particulate material (for example, calcium hypochlorite granules and dust) in a drum is dissolved in a liquid (for example, water) in a tank. The liquid is recirculated by a pump via a venturi assembly to produce a vacuum applied via a vacuum tank to a lance inserted in the drum. The vacuum transports dust into the venturi assembly to dissolve in the circulating liquid, while granules are transported into the vacuum tank whence they are discharged into the mixing tank by a solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Matthew McDermott
  • Patent number: 5201726
    Abstract: An eye-bathing device comprises an eye-cup (14) adapted to receive the eye being bathed, and a pump (11) for delivering an eye bathing solution to the eye-cup through a spray nozzle (13), the eye-cup (14) having an inlet opening (35) aligned with the spray nozzle. The pump (11) is hand-operated, and is located within a housing (10) supporting the eye-cup (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Hans Rohl
    Inventor: Clive Kirkham
  • Patent number: 5174474
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a paint toning machine comprising at least one paste container (4, 5) for keeping toning paste and means (1, 2) attached to the paste container for dispensing the paste. To avoid drying of the toning paste in the paste container the paste container is essentially gas-tight and airless and comprises an intermediate container (4) of elastic material, such as plastic, and a replaceable refill container (5) likewise of elastic material, such as plastic, the refill container being connected to the intermediate container in such a way that the interiors of the containers are in contact with each other, both parts of the paste container being compressible and the volume of the interior of the paste container essentially corresponding to the amount of paste in the container at any given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Cimcorp Oy
    Inventors: Anssi Tammi, Raimo Rehula
  • Patent number: 5156306
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser for use, for example, in an ink jet printing head, comprises a switching device, preferably a bistable fluidic device, which switches fluid under pressure between a path in which the fluid circulates back to the fluid source and a second path in which it issues from a jet. The fluidic device is preferably formed by micro-machining cavities in a silicon substrate, or in two substrates which are then bonded together face to face. A printing head may be formed by locating a number of the dispensers in side-by-side relation with spacers therebetween, the spacers being used to provide feed paths for the ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: The General Electric Company, p.l.c.
    Inventor: Guruge E. L. Perera
  • Patent number: 5153659
    Abstract: A liquid electrophotographic development system has a plurality of removable cartridges mounted on a rotatable support for selective engagement with an electrophotographic member to be developed. Each cartridge has a liquid developer reservoir and a flexible toner concentrate container from which concentrate is supplied to the developer in the reservoir as needed. A fluted roll pumps developer in a uniform manner from the reservoir to the electrophotographic member. After depletion of the toner concentrate and developer, any developer remaining in the cartridge can be pumped into the flexible container to prevent spillage on disposal of the cartridge. The cartridge housing has only one opening and minimum-size passages between the reservoir and the opening to inhibit evaporation of developer liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: ColoRep, Inc.
    Inventors: Romaine R. Maiefski, Jon S. Guy, David H. Feather
  • Patent number: 5148945
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing multiple alternating pressure vessels, chemicals are drawn from virtually any bulk source and delivered to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Applied Chemical Solutions
    Inventor: Tobin Geatz
  • Patent number: 5148208
    Abstract: A disposable container in the shape of a bottle made of molded polyethylene plastic serves as a reservoir for a photographic development liquid, that is circulated between the container's reservoir and a machine. The container has large planar sides to which good thermal contact is made by electrical heating pads for the purpose of heating the liquid within the container's reservoir. A substantially planar top surface of the container defines a central outlet aperture. This aperture connects to a feed tube which extends into the container's reservoir. The container is mounted upright to the machine's bottom surface by a screw collar. The machine's bottom surface is complementary to, and mates with, the container's top surface. A fluid-tight compressive seal is made in a first annular region about the container's central aperture by means of an O ring or gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Anacomp, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald H. Klosterboer, Jerry M. Owens, Aubrey E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5143258
    Abstract: A liquid fuel dispensing system having a fuel reservoir and a plurality of remote fuel dispensers, each of which including a suction pump and a pressure regulator valve positioned in the fuel conduit on the inlet side of the suction pump. A pressure relief passage is positioned in the fuel conduit in parallel with the regulator valve. When the vapor pressure of the fuel on the inlet side of the regulator valve exceeds a predetermined pressure, the pressure relief valve opens to permit the flow of fuel through the relief passage within the conduit, thus bypassing the regulator valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventor: Armin E. Mittermaier
  • Patent number: 5139055
    Abstract: A liquid cooled electric generating apparatus is provided with a liquid circulation system that is divided into two portions. One of the portions includes a rotor mounted in a rotor cavity such that rotation of the rotor expels liquid from that portion of the circulation system. A normally open valve connects the two portions of the liquid circulation system. This valve is automatically closed during filling of the portion of the liquid circulation system which does not contain the rotor cavity. Both the liquid circulation system of the generating apparatus and the method of filling the system are encompassed by this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: David D. Pollard
  • Patent number: 5137694
    Abstract: A cleaning system and dispenser are disclosed which feature a reservoir for retaining a liquid detergent solution; a chamber for retaining a mass of solid, dissolvable detergent; a measurement device for measuring the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution; and a flow control device for circulating the liquid detergent solution from the reservoir into contact with the solid detergent so as to dissolve a portion of the solid detergent and increase the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution. The circulation of the liquid detergent solution is in response to a signal from the concentration measuring device that the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution has fallen below a predetermined minimum. The dispenser also includes a measurement device for measuring the volume of solution in the reservoir and for adding fresh water to the reservoir when the volume of solution is below a predetermined minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Copeland, Henry A. Snyder, Sherwood A. Bergseid, Thomas H. Indieke
  • Patent number: 5129551
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system for example for paints comprises a liquid reservoir, a circulating path for the liquid to and from the reservoir, a pump for causing a pressurized flow around the path, a three-way valve in the path which is controllable to divert liquid from the path via a second valve to a dispensing nozzle. The second valve is biased to a closed position and is openable by the hydraulic pressure of the diverted liquid to permit the diverted liquid to flow to the nozzle. In a multiple liquid dispensing system, e.g. a paint blending system, each liquid has its own dispensing system as described above and the plurality of second valves thus provided are disposed in a conical formation with the nozzles directed towards the apex of the cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventor: Granville Gott
  • Patent number: 5127551
    Abstract: The present invention is a beverage dispensing system for providing the parallel connection of a plurality of refrigeration sources responsible for the cooling of associated beverages dispensed from a plurality of dispensing valves. A coolant fluid, such as carbonated water, is cooled by each refrigeration unit and is then co-mingled in a common outflow manifold prior to distribution to each of the valves. Likewise, each similar beverage cooled by each refrigeration unit can be co-mingled in a particular manifold before distribution to each of the dispensing valves. Thus, the failure of one refrigeration unit does not to require the shut-down of a valve or valves, as carbonated water and beverages cooled thereby are co-mingled with the carbonated water and same beverages continuing to be cooled by the remaining functioning refrigeration units prior to delivery thereof to the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Black, Scott C. Milton
  • Patent number: 5121857
    Abstract: An agitating apparatus, especially but not exclusively for dispensing fruit juices from a bag-in-box arrangement, includes a connector (18) adapted for fitment to the bag and having an inlet (20) and at least one outlet (22) each connected to a pump whereby on operation of the pump the bag's contents are agitated, the contents being dispensed by way of a dispenser (32) either interposed in a line between the pump and inlet (20) or connected to a second outlet (46) from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Corrugated Products Limited
    Inventor: David J. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 5114045
    Abstract: A method and an installation for conserving and/or dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid substance (P) released in a deformable flexible bag (s). The substance may be extracted from the bag by actuating and appropriate drawing-off dust (12), with the substance being drawn off via the duct (50) which remains closed so long as the bag (s) is not in place in a conservation and/or dispensing apparatus. While the bag is in the apparatus, and so long as the bag is not entirely empty, the substance is circulated by a pump round a closed loop circuit which extends in part outside the bag, with the circuit being set up when the bag (s) is put into place in the conservation and/or dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Bongrain S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Herpe
  • Patent number: 5083686
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for dispensing and supplementing a large volume of liquid for use with cell and tissue cultures. The system disclosed comprises a large volume drum having liquid contained therein. The system disclosed further comprises a first assembly for dispensing the liquid from the large volume drum. The system disclosed further comprises a second assembly for supplementing the first liquid contained in the large volume drum with the second liquid. The system disclosed may also comprise a third mechanical arrangement for mixing the first and second liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Life Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cady, Kevin R. Hall, Robert W. Lynn
  • Patent number: 5082142
    Abstract: A two-component thermosetting polymer system is formed and dispensed by adding a foaming agent to one of two components of the polymer system. A solution of the foaming agent in the first component is formed in a supply tank. The foaming agent and first component solution is then mixed with a second component at a dispensing head or nozzle. By adding the foaming agent to only one of the two components and, in particular, by forming a solution of the foaming agent in the first component one is able to very carefully control the foam density of the cured end product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence B. Saidman, James C. Smith
  • Patent number: 5069370
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for dispensing and supplementing a large volume of liquid for use with cell and tissue cultures. The system disclosed comprises a large volume drum having liquid contained therein. The system disclosed further comprises a first assembly for dispensing the liquid from the large volume drum. The system disclosed further comprises a second assembly for supplementing the first liquid contained in the large volume drum with the second liquid. The system disclosed may also comprise a third mechanical arrangement for mixing the first and second liquids. The materials chosen are compatible with gamma irradiation sterilization process, sterile cell culture media, and standard distribution systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Life Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cady, Kevin R. Hall, Robert W. Lynn
  • Patent number: 5020697
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus having a toner reservoir. The toner reservoir is removably mounted on the process cartridge or a developing device in the image recording apparatus. The toner reservoir is composed of a supply toner reserving unit having a supply opening and a recovery toner container having a waste toner recovery opening. The supply toner reserving unit and said recovery toner reserving unit are connected with each other through a connecting member, the supply toner reserving unit being arranged rotatably while the recovery toner reserving unit being fixed with the recovery opening thereof facing upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Jun-ichi Koiso, Atsuo Ohmura
  • Patent number: 5016446
    Abstract: A soft serve ice cream dispensing apparatus includes a tank, a closure plate having an integrally formed dispensing chamber and a recirculation passageway and a dispensing valve. When the dispensing valve is closed, the recirculation passageway is not in communication with the dispensing chamber. This allows the apparatus to recirculate ice cream without causing it to flow through the dispensing chamber. During recirculation, the ice cream is recirculated in an open loop consisting of the recirculation passageway, a hollow tube and the tank. The hollow tube is in flow communication with the recirculation chamber, formed in the closure plate, and the interior of the tank and extends approximpately one-third of the distance into the tank. An important aspect of the invention relates to the simplicity and reduced number of parts of the recirculation system which significantly facilitates cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: International Freezer Corporation
    Inventor: Armin Fiedler
  • Patent number: 5014883
    Abstract: A paint toning machine comprising a plurality of color paste containers (1); a pump (2) for each paste container (1) for pumping color paste (3) for the dispensing and circulation thereof; and a dispensing valve (11) for each pump (2) for dispensing a desired amount of color paste. For the elimination of the problems caused by leaks occurring in the dispensing valve and the pipe connections thereof, the dispensing valve (11) according to the invention is arranged in the paste container (1) in the vicinity of a bottom (4) thereof essentially below the surface of the color paste (3) contained in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Cimcorp Oy
    Inventor: Pentti Airaksinen
  • Patent number: 5011045
    Abstract: A paint toning machine comprising a plurality of color paste containers (1), and a pump (2) for each color paste container (1) for pumping color paste from the container for the dispensing or circulation thereof. For the elimination of the problems caused by leaks occurring in the color paste dispensing pump and the connections of the color paste suction and feeding conduits thereof, the pump (2) according to the invention is arranged in the paste container (1) in the vicinity of a bottom (4) thereof essentially below the surface of the color paste (3) contained in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Cimcorp Oy
    Inventor: Anssi Tammi
  • Patent number: 4986452
    Abstract: A pumping device for a liquid container comprises a bellows body with upper and lower plates. The upper plate has a suction port adapted to be communicated with the atmosphere, , and the lower plate has an exhaust port adapted to be communicated with an interior of the liquid container a suction valve is adapted to open and close the suction port; and a bellows return spring is adapted to expand the bellows body. A stop valve assembly is arranged in the bellows body and forms a bypath for communicating the interior of the bellows body with the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Zojirushi Corporation
    Inventors: Toyohiko Takatsuki, Masahiro Yoshida, Konomu Sugimoto, Ryoichi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 4983109
    Abstract: A spray head attachment adapted for use with a flow metering device such as a metering gear head is effective to discharge a plurality of spiral spray patterns of hot melt adhesive, in elongated strands or fibers, onto the backing sheet of a hygienic article. The spray head attachment includes a manifold having adhesive passageways connected to outlets of the metering gear head, air passageways connected to a source of pressurized air and recirculation passageways connected to a source of hot melt adhesive. Outlets of the adhesive and air passageways, and inlets of the recirculation passageways, are formed on a discharge surface of the manifold in groups or arrays, so that nozzles mounted to the manifold are each connected to one array of adhesive, air and recirculation passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Scott R. Miller, John M. Raterman, Roger A. Ziecker
  • Patent number: 4964542
    Abstract: A frozen beverage dispenser for use with a liquid/ice slurry machine which freezes a liquid to form a slurry and continuously circulates the slurry through the machine for maintaining the slurry in the desired state. The dispenser includes a nozzle connected to the machine by a flexible line having concentric inner and outer tubes, with the slurry being continuously circulated through the line between the machine and the nozzle. The nozzle has a flow path therethrough with the line connected at one end of the flow path and with a valve for controlling flow out the other end, and a bypass passage between the inner and outer tubes for return flow of the slurry when the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Bar-Master International
    Inventor: Dell W. Smith