With Material Return To Supply Patents (Class 222/424)
  • Patent number: 10912902
    Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is provided for delivering and/or dispensing a pre-determined amount of a product in use. The apparatus includes dispensing mechanism having an inlet for allowing product to enter the dispensing mechanism in use, an outlet for allowing product containable within the dispensing mechanism in use to be dispensed therefrom during a dispensing action of the apparatus, and a channel provided between the inlet and the outlet for allowing product to move between the inlet and the outlet in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Simon Bottomley
  • Patent number: 9873141
    Abstract: A large number of pattern elements stands upright on an upper surface of a substrate. After the upper surface of the substrate has been processed using a processing liquid, liquid filling processing for filling the upper surface with a filler solution is performed, in which the filler solution having a viscosity of three centipoises or more is applied to a central part of the upper surface. Then, by rotating the substrate at 1000 revolutions per minute or less, the processing solution adhering to the entire upper surface is replaced by the filler solution, and a solution layer of a predetermined thickness is formed. In this way, making the viscosity of the filler solution relatively high and making the centrifugal force acting at the time of rotating the substrate relatively low suppresses deformation of the pattern elements at the time of filling with a filler that uses the filler solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naozumi Fujiwara, Naoko Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9038856
    Abstract: A dispensing unit is provided having a circulation system for circulating a fluid in the dispensing unit. The circulation system includes a circulation circuit and a mechanism for circulating the fluid in the circulation circuit. By circulating the fluid, the fluid is counteracted from crystallizing. A method for circulating a fluid in a dispensing unit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems LLC
    Inventor: Bengt I. Larsson
  • Patent number: 8899452
    Abstract: A plug structure is provided that can be installed on a container in which the thread of a container inlet for installing a cap is an outer thread, and furthermore, bubbles are not produced at the fluid surface inside the container even during fluid circulation. In a plug structure that is used in a container in which the thread of the container inlet for attaching the cap is an external thread, that is installed on the container inlet, that is capable of removing a fluid inside the container by using the siphon hose method, and that is capable of circulating the fluid that is inside the container, a fluid circulation path is provided that causes a fluid that is returning into the container during fluid circulation to fall along an external wall of a siphon hose during fluid removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Takanohashi
  • Patent number: 8757220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device for fine grained powder (1), in particular for medicinal powder (1) for pulmonary administration, and to a method for operating the metering device. The metering device comprises a powder pump and a metering mechanism (3), wherein the metering mechanism (3) comprises a continuous powder passage (4) and at least one metering chamber (5) with an outlet valve (6). The metering chamber (5) branches off from the powder passage (4) at an angle. The metering chamber (5) has a larger cross section than the powder passage (4). The powder (1) is conveyed through the powder passage (4) by means of the powder pump, the at least one metering chamber (5) being filled with the powder (1) in a self-levelling manner. The conveying by means of the powder pump is then interrupted, and at least one target container is filled from the metering chamber (5) with the outlet valve (6) being opened and a residual quantity of powder (1) remaining in the metering chamber (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Scharger
  • Patent number: 8590579
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inlet for a tank which is intended for a liquid food product. The inlet is placed in the side wall of the tank and at the upper end of the tank. The inlet is further designed so that the inflowing product is distributed in fan-shape along the inside of the tank. The application also includes a method of supplying liquid food product to a tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Max Leufstedt
  • Patent number: 8584897
    Abstract: A system for cooling a beverage and dispensing a beverage cooling medium comprises a beverage line connectable to a beverage supply for transporting beverage from the beverage supply through a conduit to a beverage dispense valve at a dispensation site, and a cooling line for transporting a cooling medium through the conduit so as to allow heat exchange between the cooling medium in the cooling line and the beverage in the beverage line. The cooling line is connectable to the beverage supply or to a second beverage supply such that the cooling medium is a beverage cooling medium. The system further comprises a cooling medium dispense valve in communication with the cooling line at the dispensation site for dispensing the beverage cooling medium. The system is further operative for dispensing a frozen particle-containing beverage through a python.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Scottish & Newcastle Limited
    Inventor: Robert David John Belcham
  • Patent number: 8578974
    Abstract: A portable fluid exchange system comprises a source container, a liquid and vapor pump for pumping liquid from the source container to the destination container and for pumping vapor from the destination container to the source container. The liquid inlet and vapor outlets of the liquid and vapor pump are connected in fluid communication with the source container. A liquid delivery hose delivers liquid from the pump to the destination container. A vapor delivery hose delivers vapor from the destination container to the pump. A selectively controllable actuation mechanism actuates the liquid and vapor pump to thereby concurrently pump liquid from the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid outlet and vapor into the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor inlet, and concurrently pump vapor from the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor outlet and liquid into the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fuel Transfer Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Bonner
  • Patent number: 8561855
    Abstract: A fluid dispense system for use with a drum having a drum insert configured to couple with a bung included on a drum, the drum insert having an upper portion and a drum insert down tube extending therefrom into an interior of the drum. The system further having a dispense head configured to couple with the drum insert, the dispense head having first and second conduits, each having a valve assembly, the valve assemblies in operable communication with the drum insert when the dispense head is coupled with the drum insert. When the dispense head is coupled with the drum insert the first and second valve assemblies are effected to an open position enabling fluid to flow through the conduits. When the dispense head is not coupled with the drum insert the first and second valve assemblies are biased to a closed position inhibiting fluid from flowing through the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Hennen, Barry L. Rauworth, James C. Linder
  • Patent number: 8528607
    Abstract: Liquid beverage filling machine for filling containers, such as bottles or cans, with a liquid beverage, and a method of filling containers with a liquid beverage, in which the flow of liquid is monitored and measured. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Felix Wagner
  • Patent number: 8459315
    Abstract: Container filling arrangement in which a first flow channel connects a first portion of a liquid channel, adjacent a liquid valve, and a collecting channel. A second flow channel connects the first flow channel and a second portion of the liquid channel adjacent a dispensing opening. A first valve in the first flow channel may be closed upon the liquid valve being opened during container filling, and is designed to be forced open by an increase to a first pressure in the first flow channel generated by a closing of the liquid valve. The second valve is designed to be closed until forced open by an increase to a second pressure, greater than the first pressure, in the first and second flow channels. The second pressure may be generated during a cleaning and/or sterilizing of the container filling arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch
  • Patent number: 8201588
    Abstract: A portable fluid exchange system comprises a source container, a liquid and vapor pump for pumping liquid from the source container to the destination container and for pumping vapor from the destination container to the source container. The liquid inlet and vapor outlets of the liquid and vapor pump are connected in fluid communication with the source container. A liquid delivery hose delivers liquid from the pump to the destination container. A vapor delivery hose delivers vapor from the destination container to the pump. A selectively controllable actuation mechanism actuates the liquid and vapor pump to thereby concurrently pump liquid from the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid outlet and vapor into the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor inlet, and concurrently pump vapor from the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor outlet and liquid into the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Fuel Transfer Technologies
    Inventor: Mark Bonner
  • Patent number: 8201587
    Abstract: A portable pumping apparatus for concurrently pumping liquid from a source container to a destination container and pumping vapor from the destination container to the source container comprises a liquid and vapor pump having a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, a vapor inlet and a vapor outlet. There is a selectively controllable actuation mechanism for actuating the liquid and vapor pump to thereby concurrently pump liquid from the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid outlet and vapor into the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor inlet, and concurrently pump vapor from the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor outlet and liquid into the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Fuel Transfer Technologies
    Inventor: Mark Bonner
  • Patent number: 8167169
    Abstract: Reservoir for a dispense system designed to maintain a suspending fluid flow within the reservoir. The fluid dispense system is particularly well suited to be manufactured in a single-use format comprising a fluid reservoir and fill tube assembly, particularly comprising a reservoir, tubing, fittings and connectors, and a needle. The system ensures uniformity within the liquid by moving the fluid through the product reservoir such as with a continuous or pulsating flow, and is designed to maintain the fluid in motion in order to maintain a homogenous solution. The reservoir is designed to minimize any fluid dead zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Saunders, Brett M. Belongia
  • Patent number: 8118191
    Abstract: A dispense apparatus and system for dispensing suspensions or emulsions. The system ensures uniformity of distribution of the dispersed phase within the continuous-phase liquid by moving the fluid through the dispense cartridge, such as with a continuous or pulsating flow. In one embodiment, peristaltic pumps are positioned upstream and downstream of the dispense cartridge, in fluid communication with and forming a single loop with a fluid source. Circulation between the fluid source and the dispense cartridge is maintained. In a second embodiment, a pump circulates fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge and is also in fluid communication with a fluid source such as with a pinch valve to allow proper filling of the dispense cartridge from the fluid source. In a third embodiment, a reversing pump is placed between the dispense cartridge and fluid source to continually or continuously pump fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Brett M. Belongia, Robert C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20110127298
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bottle top dispenser with dispensing, recirculation and draining mechanism, said dispenser operates in two modes one is dispensing mode and other is recirculation/draining mode, said bottle top dispenser comprising: calibration scale to measure the desired quantity of liquid to be dispensed; knob for selecting the desired quantity of liquid to be dispensed; piston cylinder arrangement for performing motion of liquid into or out of the bottle; spout being rotatable by 180° for selecting the operating mode of the bottle top dispenser; outer dispensing tube being connected to said spout for dispensing liquid out of the bottle through said spout; inner recirculating tube being used for recirculating liquid into bottle; threaded adaptor to allow dispenser to set firmly on the bottle; telescopic tube connecting bottle top dispenser and bottle for providing the path to the liquid into or out of the bottle; interconnecting region for establishing interconnection between piston cylind
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Chirag Narendrabhai Shah
  • Patent number: 7950547
    Abstract: Reservoir for a dispense system designed to maintain a suspending fluid flow within the reservoir. The fluid dispense system is particularly well suited to be manufactured in a single-use format comprising a fluid reservoir and fill tube assembly, particularly comprising a reservoir, tubing, fittings and connectors, and a needle. The system ensures uniformity within the liquid by moving the fluid through the product reservoir such as with a continuous or pulsating flow, and is designed to maintain the fluid in motion in order to maintain a homogenous solution. The reservoir is designed to minimize any fluid dead zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Saunders, Brett M. Belongia
  • Patent number: 7942170
    Abstract: An installation for packaging a product in receptacles. The installation includes a series of filler stations each having a filler spout having a spout body with a top end connected to a filler spout feed duct and a bottom end provided with an orifice fitted with a controlled valve. The filler spout is fitted with a looping duct opening into the spout body above the controlled valve and connected by a link member to a general feed duct at a point between a stop valve and an isolation valve. A purge valve is connected to the general feed duct between the isolation valve and the link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Bertrand Gruson
  • Patent number: 7810674
    Abstract: A dispense apparatus and system for dispensing suspensions or emulsions. The system ensures uniformity of distribution of the dispersed phase within the continuous-phase liquid by moving the fluid through the dispense cartridge, such as with a continuous or pulsating flow. In one embodiment, peristaltic pumps are positioned upstream and downstream of the dispense cartridge, in fluid communication with and forming a single loop with a fluid source. Circulation between the fluid source and the dispense cartridge is maintained. In a second embodiment, a pump circulates fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge and is also in fluid communication with a fluid source such as with a pinch valve to allow proper filling of the dispense cartridge from the fluid source. In a third embodiment, a reversing pump is placed between the dispense cartridge and fluid source to continually or continuously pump fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Brett M. Belongia, Robert C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 7753236
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing water, especially purified water, for use in a beverage dispenser is provided with a microbiological agent to kill or deter microbiological growth and maintain the quality of the water. The agent is provided in a physical form to promote contact with the water and may be renewable to maintain effectiveness of the agent over a period of time. In one arrangement, the agent is contained in a cartridge 92 arranged in a re-circulation loop 89 through which the water in a reservoir 80 is passed and returned to the reservoir 80. The cartridge 92 and/or a carrier for the agent within the cartridge 92 may be replaceable to renew the agent. The agent may also be provided within the reservoir 80 and various arrangements for this are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Graham Frederick Williams
  • Patent number: 7694858
    Abstract: A beverage filling method and an apparatus to perform the beverage filling method, wherein a liquid is delivered from a storage tank into a filler tank of a filler, and the liquid is filled into containers by the filler. The method is characterized in that the liquid in the filler tank is returned through return piping attached to the filler tank and refluxed to the storage tank through a reflux path. According to this method, an excess of liquid in the filler can be circulated throughout the entire line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Suntory Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Ichiro Takeda, Kenichi Tsukano, Katsunori Tanikawa, Masaaki Eda
  • Patent number: 7134618
    Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the large scale synthesis of carbon nanostructures are provided. Metal catalysts having small diameter and narrow distribution of particle sizes are prepared and continuously injected as aerosols into a reactor. The metal catalysts are supported on supports that are substantially free of carbon. The metal catalyst, in the form of a powder, is placed in an injector that is shaken vertically. The powder is aerosolized, and the powder entrailed in the gas is passed through a conduit that is bifurcated where one portion delivers the powder to the reactor while the other portion connects back to the ejector that is located in between the gas source and the top part of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Avetik Harutyunyan, Shoji Isobe
  • Patent number: 7118011
    Abstract: A disposable tube set apparatus is provided for delivering a precise volume of a fluid to containers which comprise a reservoir for a fluid, an inlet conduit to the said reservoir, at least one first outlet conduits from the reservoir, a sight tube connected to each of the at least one outlet conduit, each of the sight outlet tubes having an interior wall tapered away from a central vertical axis of each of the sight outlet tubes, a return conduit connecting each of the sight outlet tubes to the reservoir, and a second outlet conduit connected to each of the sight tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen P. Proulx
  • Patent number: 7014067
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing and dispensing gasoline and oil from a tank in which a flow of gasoline and oil is diverted from a dispenser pump outlet back into the tank to create a mixing of the gasoline and oil to dispensing the mixed gasoline and oil by operation of a dispensing nozzle also connected to the pump outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Daru
  • Patent number: 7000804
    Abstract: The present invention is a container dispenser device for handling separated flowable contents of a container. This device is placed under a cap of a container, or, alternatively, replaces a cap of a container and includes cap features itself. The present invention device includes: (a) a base member, the base member having a top and a bottom, and having a top view footprint with a perimeter adapted to fit onto and seal a dispensing opening of a container, the base member having a dispensing orifice located thereon; (b) a separator tube connected to the bottom of the base member at the dispensing orifice and extending downwardly therefrom; and (c) at least one mixing rib external from the separator tube and connected to at least one of the separator tube and the base member, and extending downwardly away from the bottom of the base member. It may also include a side wall with cap features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Louis Illuzzi, Nicole Illuzzi
  • Patent number: 6955185
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for use with a drum with a bung, and a drum insert that includes a downtube that inserts into the bung. A dispense head has provision for a return flow line that discharges recirculated fluid into the annular space around the drum insert downtube. A foaming reduction device minimizes foam created from the recirculation. The invention includes a spring-loaded poppet that closes when the dispense head is removed from the bung opening. The poppet is configured such that the engagement member is a ring shaped with support members extending axially. The engagement member seats on and couples with a nipple on the drum insert. The nipple has a seating portion to engage the engagement member of the poppet. The invention also includes a seal verification conduit in fluid communication with a space intermediate two seals at a junction between the dispense head and the drum insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Rauworth, John M. Hennen
  • Patent number: 6915924
    Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus switches from a city water supply line to an auxiliary water reservoir when the city water supply line becomes unacceptable. A valve connects, alternatively, city water and auxiliary water supply lines to a consumer water supply line. Auxiliary water is supplied from a water accumulator to the auxiliary water supply line and replenished by pumping from the auxiliary water reservoir in response to detection by a pressure switch of low accumulator pressure. A check valve is inserted in the auxiliary water supply line downstream of an electric pump and upstream of the pressure switch. A low water level detector operates a switch to cut off power to the pump when the level of water in the auxiliary water supply reservoir falls below a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Robert J. Noiseux
  • Patent number: 6659310
    Abstract: A product dispensing and drainback fitting, for directing the flow of a liquid product from a container and minimizing the occurrence of double pour, having an outer wall for engagement with the neck of said container; an inner spout centrically positioned within said outer wall, a base extending between said wall and said spout and creating a circumscribing well, a longitudinal slot formed in said inner spout, said longitudinal slot beginning at a point about 30 mm to about 48 mm above said base and extending the remainder of the length of said spout; and drainback hole formed in said base and aligned with said longitudinal slot, said drainback hole having an area of about 10 mm2 to about 20 mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wolpert
  • Publication number: 20030062384
    Abstract: A metered output hot melt adhesive dispensing system comprises a plurality of hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assemblies, and a multiple outlet metering gear pump for supplying hot melt adhesive material to the plurality of valve assemblies. Return ports of the valve assemblies are fluidically connected to the intake side of the multiple outlet metering gear pump through a plurality of return conduits and a common return line. A single output return metering gear pump is disposed within the common return line and has operatively associated therewith a recirculation bypass loop within which a spring-biased one-way check valve is disposed. The system relieves excess pressure buildup within the valve assemblies so as to substantially prevent the occurrence of bursting and stringing phenomena attendant cyclically intermittent OPENED and CLOSED states of the plurality of valve assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Grant McGuffey
  • Patent number: 6499670
    Abstract: A directional control valve having three positions controls the direction of flow through an asphalt distributor. The directional control valve is interposed between a pump and a feed line assembly to a spray bar. The directional control valve has a first position in which flow is recirculated through the pump, a second position in which flow is delivered to the spray bar and a third position providing for handspray and transfer operations. A pressure relief valve is provided for controlling return flow of asphalt from the spray bar to the tank. The pressure relief valve is open in spray bar circulation mode and is closed during a spraying mode. According to the preferred embodiment the directional valve and pressure relief valve are contained within a modular control valve assembly. The directional control valve eliminates the need to reverse the flow in one of the individual feed lines and feed line assembly connecting the modular control valve assembly to the spray bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: E. D. Etnyre & Co.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brown, Jeremey Heller, Patrick O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6453917
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing liquid detergent in dishwashers is provided in which the detergent is fed into the wash area of the dishwasher only after the second actuation of the actuating member. This is achieved by providing: a barrier on the discharge side for the detergent in the operating position, which barrier is sequenced to follow a supply chamber. A return opening is provided to return the retained detergent in the fill position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Aweco Appliance Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Guenter Biechele
  • Publication number: 20020130142
    Abstract: A windshield washing fluid dispenser is described for selectively filling a vehicle windshield washer reservoir. A base housing supports a windshield washing fluid tower which is at least partially transparent to visually display windshield washing fluid therein. A bulk windshield washing fluid container is situated within the base housing. A fluid pump assembly has an intake line received within the fluid container and a discharge line that extends to openly communicate with the display tower. The pump assembly is operable to at least partially fill the display tower to a selected level such that the windshield washing fluid is visible through the windshield washing fluid display tower. A filler hose leads from the display tower to a discharge end, the hose being of sufficient length to extend from the windshield washer fluid display tower to the vehicle windshield washer reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Loyde A. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6412707
    Abstract: A portable backpack sprayer for spraying liquid chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers having a large storage tank in which is mounted a pressure vessel. A manually actuated pumping assembly is connected with the bottom portion of the pressure vessel and also with the bottom portion of the tank. The pumping assembly comprises a reciprocating piston to draw liquid from the storage tank and pressurize it within the pressure vessel. The operator may discharge the pressurized liquid using a hose and a control valve affixed to the pressure vessel. The pumping assembly further comprises a double-walled piston and a leak barrier to collect any liquid that may leak from the piston. The reciprocating action of the piston is utilized to return the leaked liquid to the storage tank via a return siphon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Pedro Wirz
  • Patent number: 6315160
    Abstract: A closure for dispensing a viscous material such as mustard or ketchup from a container includes a threaded closure body having a dispensing orifice through which viscous material may flow during dispensing, and a collection space for collecting a volume of thin liquid that may form on top of the viscous material during storage. The collection space acts to intercept the thin liquid as the container is inverted to dispense the viscous material. As the material continues to be dispensed, the thin liquid is re-mixed into the material, thereby keeping the solid to liquid ratio of the material in the container relatively constant. A method of dispensing viscous material such as ketchup or mustard is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Rick Gaiser, Val Hierzer, Bob Simpson
  • Patent number: 6305571
    Abstract: A splashless lid device for dispensing fluid contained in a drinking container, wherein the container includes a lip portion which defines an opening into the container. A mounting portion is configured to sealingly engage the lip portion of the container and to be removable. A top cover is coupled to the mounting portion and extends substantially laterally across the container opening when the mounting portion is sealingly engaged with the container lip. The top cover includes a top wall and a bottom wall cooperating to define an interior cavity. The top wall has a drinking port in flow communication with the interior cavity. The bottom wall defines a baffle opening which extends into the interior cavity and is adapted to reduce splashing of fluid through the opening fluid dispensed from the container must pass through the baffle opening and into the interior cavity before passing through the drinking port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Donny Chu
  • Patent number: 6151955
    Abstract: A device and method for testing for the recovery of vapor in a system in which a fluid is dispensed into a tank through a nozzle, according to which a vacuum is created to induce the flow of the vapor into the nozzle. The vacuum is measured and a display is provided that indicates whether or not the vacuum attains a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Dresser Equipment Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Michael Ostrowski, Richard Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 6093247
    Abstract: A system and method for supplying and distributing a viscous material onto a roof include a mobile vessel containing a supply of the material for location either on the roof or on the ground adjacent the building. A delivery conduit extends from a viscous material storage chamber in the vessel to a secondary vessel or to a material application tool on the roof. A heater is located on the vessel to heat the supply of material. A reversible pump and/or motor delivers the viscous material from the storage chamber through the conduit for subsequent application on the roof and pumps unused material through the conduit and into the storage chamber to maintain the temperature of the material and to prevent the material from hardening in the various conduits, supply lines and equipment. A bypass line extends between the conduit and storage chamber for return of the material by gravity to the chamber in the event of pump or motor failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: National Tool & Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Sipos, Anthony R. Vross, Timothy R. Tarr
  • Patent number: 6012646
    Abstract: A fuel delivery apparatus for an auxiliary vehicle heater includes a burner with a fuel nozzle. A fuel pump has an intake port and a discharge port. There is a first fuel conduit connected to the intake port. A second fuel conduit connects the discharge port to the nozzle. A third fuel conduit extends between the discharge port and the intake port. A pressure release relief valve is operatively disposed along the third conduit. Fuel from the discharge port is recirculated back to the intake port when pressure of fuel supplied to the nozzle through the second conduit exceeds a preset amount. Preferably the fuel nozzle is an air aspirated fuel nozzle and the fuel pump is a gear pump. The third conduit may be internal to the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventors: Jonathan Young, Bruce Conrad Wilnechenko
  • Patent number: 6012608
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a storage and metering system for delivery of a supersaturated feed supplement to a feed processing facility including a tank assembly for storing the supersaturated feed supplement; a recirculation and discharge system connected to the storage assembly to maintain the supersaturated feed supplement at an elevated temperature during recirculation and discharge; and a controller assembly for monitoring and controlling the supersaturated feed supplement being recirculated and discharged. The present invention also includes a method of storing, metering, and recirculating a supersaturated feed supplement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: K.E.R. Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken W. Ridenour
  • Patent number: 5779097
    Abstract: A vapor recovery system (20) with integrated monitoring unit (28). The system includes one or more tanks (22, 24, 26) into which captured vapor is returned. A pressure sensor (52) is mounted into each tank not in fluid communication with the other tanks. The signals produced by the pressure sensors are forwarded to a control module (54). In the event the measured pressure drops below a selected level the control module actuates an alarm (56). The control module also disables the dispenser (31, 32) generating the liquid that is being vaporized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Olson, Gregory P. Wood, Andrew Chernoby, Jr., Roger D. Swieringa
  • Patent number: 5730329
    Abstract: A drop former comprises a drum assembly including a stationary inner drum and a rotatable outer drum mounted coaxially around the inner drum. The outer drum has holes which periodically become aligned with holes in the inner drum to allow a flowable substance to flow from the inner drum onto a cooling belt traveling beneath the outer drum. In order to redirect into the outer drum, residual portions of the substance which have not fallen off the outer drum, a directing device is disposed around a portion of the circumference of the outer drum. The directing device is mounted on a frame which pivots toward and away from the outer drum. In order to secure the directing device to the drum assembly, a ring is mounted on an end of the inner drum which projects beyond a respective end of the outer drum. The ring, which is rotatable and movable axially relative to the inner drum, carries a radial projection which is received in a recess of the frame when the frame is in an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Santrade Ltd.
    Inventor: Reinhard Froeschke
  • Patent number: 5678734
    Abstract: An instant hot water dispenser comprises a storage tank for containing a reservoir of hot water, heating means for maintaining the hot water at a predetermined temperature, a selectively operable discharge means associated with the tank having an outlet for connection with a remote discharge nozzle. The discharge means when operated is arranged to feed water from the reservoir through said outlet to the discharge nozzle, the dispenser being arranged to permit water to drain from the discharge nozzle into the reservoir when the discharge means is not operated. The discharge means is located relative to the tank such that water contained within the discharge means when not operated is maintained at said predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: David Macallister Walker
  • Patent number: 5675792
    Abstract: A cartridge for receiving a photographic processing chemical comprises a main body formed with an outlet by way of which the chemical may be introduced into or removed from the cartridge. The main body also has a connection for a venting arrangement which provides communication between the interior of the main body of the cartridge and atmosphere when the cartridge is in use. The connection for the venting arrangement is located adjacent, and faces in the same direction as, the outlet in the main body so that in a single "plug-in" operation the cartridge can be located upon a processing apparatus to establish connections for the supply and return of the processing chemical and a connection with a venting arrangement provided on the processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Anthony Earle, John Richard Fyson, Edward Charles T.S. Glover
  • Patent number: 5597090
    Abstract: Method and appartus for the pouring of liquids by a partially closed shell extending from a base to a rounded and interrupted tip, with partially opened shell sides extending from the base to the tip which is interrupted by a a "V" shaped notch; the shell has a base advantageously inclined with respect to the pouring axis of the shell to permit downward flow of fluid into an aperture that communicates with the opening in the shell; the shell can be a pouring spout covered by a protective cap which is unscrewed and removed to expose the spout and permit fluid to be poured between open sides along the shell and over a sharp, interrupted edge at a tip, by which flow is terminated when the shell is up-righted, so that the sharpness of the interruption and the general configuration of the tip reduce the usual dripping of fluid after a pour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: David J. Leahy
  • Patent number: 5566862
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a liquid dispensing fitment for use on a container having a neck comprises a plastic body which has an inner wall defining an axial spout extending from within the neck of a container and axially beyond the end of the neck. The body has an outer annular wall spaced from the spout and connected to the spout by an integral annular connecting portion. The spout extends axially beyond the outer wall and has an upper generally C-shaped cross section defining an opening and a lower annular cross section. The annular connecting portion is inclined with respect to the axis of the spout and has its lowermost portion aligned with the opening of the C-shaped portion of said spout. The outer wall has an axial opening extending from a position aligned with the juncture of the C-shaped portion and annular portion of the spout through the annular connecting portion to define a combined drain back opening and a near empty pour out hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene F. Haffner, Thomas P. Royce, John M. Shingle
  • 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: 5509579
    Abstract: A dispenser cap for discharging measured amounts of liquid contents from a container includes an outer cylindrical side wall having upper and lower portions, the lower portion provided with interior surface configuration for securing the cap to a container. An inner cylindrical side wall is spaced radially from the outer cylindrical side wall and at least partially defines a dispensing chamber. A weir panel within the inner cylindrical side wall is configured to provide a weir opening between the container and the dispensing chamber, and a recloseable top is provided which includes an outer peripheral skirt adapted to be telescoped over and secured to the outer cylindrical side wall. The top is pivotally secured to the outer cylindrical side wall radially adjacent but axially spaced from the weir opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5505335
    Abstract: A liquid feed apparatus which returns liquid to a tank by emptying a common pipe to prevent mixing of liquids. The liquid feed apparatus further does not display the amount of liquid in the feed pipe at the beginning of the liquid feed from the nozzle to prevent any error in liquid feed amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Tatsuno Corporation
    Inventors: Fumitaka Uemura, Yasuyuki Negishi, Shinji Mitome, Kazuya Hayano, Kenji Hyodo, Shiro Masai
  • 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: 5433348
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a modular dispensing tower which may be positioned remote from both the product and the cooling unit or, alternatively, may be mounted onto the cooling unit housing using quick connect couplings. When positioned remote from the cooling unit, the modular dispensing tower connects to the cooling unit through an insulated trunk line which allows positioning of the modular dispensing tower up to twenty five feet away from the cooling unit. Additionally, the modular dispensing tower comprises an insulated manifold which operates to significantly decrease the temperature of the dispensed "casual" drink. The manifold houses a plurality of product conduits which are positioned against a carbonated water conduit which works in a recirculation system to greatly reduce the temperature of the dispensed "casual" drink. Furthermore, the modular dispensing tower may reside on the countertop or may be mounted onto the edge of the countertop in order to save countertop space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Deering, Samuel Durham, Alfred A. Schroeder