Barometric Or Angle Of Repose Trap Chamber Patents (Class 222/457)
  • Patent number: 11414239
    Abstract: An example fluid container includes a main body and a support leg. The main body has a bottom wall and a sidewall that extends from the bottom wall. The bottom wall has a bottom wall first internal surface and the sidewall has a sidewall first portion, a sidewall second portion, and defines a passageway. The bottom wall first internal surface extends from the sidewall second portion toward the passageway at a downward slope. The support leg extends from the main body and is sized and configured to support the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Matthew Shane Carmody
  • Patent number: 10272401
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a non-electric portable blood tube mixer comprising a frame and a slide. The frame includes an entry opening at a relatively high position of the frame and an outlet opening at a relatively low position of the frame. The slide is provided in the frame and includes an inclined-plate assembly consisting of plated that are vertically spaced from one another and are arranged in a zigzag manner, and the slide has two ends that are respectively connected to the entry opening and the outlet opening, thus allowing the tube to roll along the slide from a relatively high position of the frame to a relatively low position of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Mo Siu Mei Lee
  • Patent number: 8538686
    Abstract: A destination analysis module is described which estimates at least one destination of a user given a partial path taken by the user within a geographic area. The destination analysis module operates by detecting a mode of transportation that a user uses to traverse the path (e.g., automobile, public transportation, walking, etc.). The destination analysis module then loads a model associated with the mode of transportation into a destination prediction module and estimates at least one destination based on the path and the model. The model has various components that depend on the mode of transportation, such as routing network information and prior probability information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Gruen, John C. Krumm
  • Patent number: 8292126
    Abstract: A replaceable flow assembly for use in a water cooler or similar bottled liquid dispenser includes a liquid reservoir 7 and a manifold 48 incorporating a bottle connector 5, 49 for releasable sealing engagement with a neck formed on an inverted bottle. The manifold is mounted on the reservoir and incorporates a first pathway for conducting liquid from a feed tube 5 to the reservoir 7, and a second pathway for conducting liquid from the reservoir to a discharge outlet 53. A third pathway within the manifold conducts atmospheric air through an air filter 28 and into the interior of the bottle through the feed tube 5 without passing through the reservoir 7. The manifold preferably also incorporates a dispense valve between the reservoir 7 and the discharge outlet 53 (e.g. in arm 52), which co-operates with a fixed valve-operating member within the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: EBAC Limited
    Inventors: Clyde Pittaway, Philip Andrew Walton, Andrew Smith
  • Patent number: 7891524
    Abstract: A fuel and oil mixing device holds a quantity of fuel and oil and allows a user to easily select the ratio of fuel to oil in the mixture that exits the device, thus allowing a single device to be used to fill multiple two-stroke engines. The fuel and oil mixing device includes a mixing chamber defining an internal volume, a fuel intake opening, an oil intake opening, and an outlet. Fuel is delivered into the mixing chamber from the fuel reservoir through the fuel intake opening, while oil is delivered into the mixing chamber through the oil intake opening. An oil control valve controls oil flowing into the mixing chamber through the oil intake opening so as to allow the user to dispense a fuel-oil mixture through the outlet of the mixing chamber with a predetermined fuel-to-oil ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Precise Mix, LLC
    Inventors: R. Scott Johnson, Benjamin Lee Kessinger, III, Thomas M. McCullough, Kenneth M. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20100224650
    Abstract: A method is provided for dispensing a controlled quantity of a granular material. The method employs a dispenser including a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. The dispenser is first positioned in a loading orientation for the outflow of material from the reservoir through a nozzle to a metering cup. A baffle positioned proximate the opening of the metering cup stabilizes the controlled volume directed into the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted. Then, the volume of material is directed from the cup through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser, through which the material is spread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Keith E. Antal, SR.
  • Publication number: 20100175774
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for metering media (2) and comprises at least one storage vessel (3), a measuring vessel (14) and a target vessel (14) that are interconnected to give one unit. By the exertion of force on the media (2) to be metered they can communicate between the storage vessel (3) and the measuring vessel (4) and can then be transferred to the target vessel (14). The metering volume is determined by the geometry of the measuring vessel (4). The target vessel (14) can be separated from the measuring vessel (4) by severing (welding, gluing, cutting) the connection between (14) and (4). The invention also relates to a method for metering media using the device (1) according to the invention. The device is suitable as a disposable unit and for the sterile metering of media in a non-sterile environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH
    Inventor: Heyo Mennenga
  • Patent number: 7377405
    Abstract: Liquid soap dispensers including a vacuum relief valve which comprises an enclosed chamber having an air inlet open to the atmosphere and a liquid inlet in communication with liquid in the reservoir and in which the liquid inlet opens to the chamber at a height below a height at which the air inlet opens to the chamber. The vacuum relief valve permits relief of vacuum from the reservoir without moving parts or valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Gotohti.com Inc.
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Publication number: 20070284396
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled quantity of a granular material. The dispenser includes a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. A nozzle is provided for the outflow of material from the reservoir to a metering cup. A baffle is provided within the metering cup to stabilize the controlled volume directed into the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted and the volume of material is directed from the cup, through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Keith E. Antal
  • Patent number: 7198175
    Abstract: Liquid soap dispensers including a vacuum relief valve which comprises an enclosed chamber having an air inlet open to the atmosphere and a liquid inlet in communication with liquid in the reservoir and in which the liquid inlet opens to the chamber at a height below a height at which the air inlet opens to the chamber. The vacuum relief valve permits relief of vacuum from the reservoir without moving parts or valves. A chamber about an opening of an inverted container with an impeller within the chamber which, on rotation, dispenses fluid from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 7111760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a formula regulation and dispensing system for baby bottles, which allows a controlled volume of formula to be administered through a baby bottle for feeding. This controlled amount of formula allows the user to monitor and regulate the consumption of liquid by an infant between required burpings. Using the invention, the user will know the proper time to burp the baby, thus reducing the occurrence of reflux and other conditions resulting from excess stomach gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventors: Talia Pagovich, Gil Pagovich, Odelya Pagovich, Shimon Pagovich, Thomas J. Kiel
  • Patent number: 7080686
    Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses for extracting, transporting and/or releasing various kinds of liquid and semi-liquid materials. The materials may have very high viscosity and may include solids. Generally speaking, the apparatus includes a container, a gateway that functions as a valve without moving parts, and a means for controlling air pressure within the container. In addition, the apparatus may include flexible hoses and/or a separator for separating the solids in the material from the liquids. Applications include industrial and manufacturing processes, construction, dredging, remediation, laboratory, and home-based uses. When used in wells, the invention can bail water, oil, and sediment (cleanout operations). The tools according to the present invention are scalable to nearly any size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: David Beckhardt
  • Patent number: 6957751
    Abstract: Liquid soap dispensers including a vacuum relief valve which comprises an enclosed chamber having an air inlet open to the atmosphere and a liquid inlet in communication with liquid in the reservoir and in which the liquid inlet opens to the chamber at a height below a height at which the air inlet opens to the chamber. The vacuum relief value permits relief of vacuum from the reservoir without moving parts or values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Hygiene-Technik Inc.
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Publication number: 20040256420
    Abstract: A wet/dry feeding device for the watering of live stock, primarily smaller animals such as baby pigs comprising; vacuum valve with diaphragm, water holding reservoirs, water leveling tube, and double walled feeding tube. The water level is automatically maintained within the holding pans by an adjustable feeding tube which is placed into the water at a perpendicular angle to the water surface. At the top of the feeding tube a vacuum valve with diaphragm is located to allow water into the holding reservoirs until the water level enters the feeding tube sleeve activating the vacuum valve, closing the flow of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Roy Lato
  • Publication number: 20040178229
    Abstract: An automatic valve assembly for a water cooler having a reservoir of the type that has its upper end generally sealed to the atmosphere by a water bottle adapter that receives and supports an inverted water bottle. The valve assembly comprises a ventilation passageway providing a means for air to enter the reservoir, and an actuator arm hingedly mounted within the interior of the water cooler. The actuator arm is operable to move between an open and a closed position in response to changing water levels within the reservoir. When in its open position the actuator arm allows the unrestricted passage of air into the reservoir through the ventilation passageway. When in its closed position the actuator arm restricts the flow of air and fluids through the ventilation passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis Rivard, Zhendong Liu, Fan Kun
  • Patent number: 6758375
    Abstract: The improved container for storing and dispensing liquids has a baffle which resists spilling and pours more smoothly than prior containers. The baffle may be located between the mouth opening and the interior of the container chamber. When the improved container is tilted for pouring, such that the liquid level inside the container chamber is higher than the liquid level at the mouth opening, no liquid pours out of the container. The liquid starts to flow out of the mouth opening only after the container is tilted beyond a predetermined start-to-pour angle. The start-to-pour angle is reached when the container is tilted to allow the outside air to enter the container chamber. The baffled container may have an optional notch on the baffle to reduce glugging and to result in a smoother pour. The improved container can be manufactured in a simple one-step blow molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: I-Chung Ho
  • Publication number: 20040031820
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container for storing and dispensing articles, such as snack food. In one embodiment the container comprises a tray that can be easily opened and closed. When open, articles fall by gravity into the tray, permitting easy access to the articles. In a preferred embodiment, when the tray is closed, the container is airtight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Frances R. Maggi
  • Patent number: 6637628
    Abstract: A liquid container with at least one opening and a closure having a graspable lug for opening the closure. The closure includes at least one lever arm for controlling the opening operation, with the lever arm's free end bearing against a the container during the opening operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Höser
  • Patent number: 6460741
    Abstract: An improved spill-resistant liquid bottle having a curved passageway and a vent passageway on the side in a curved neck having the shape of the number “7”, the letter “Z” or the letter “S” incorporated into the design of its mouth opening. This improved spill-resistant design allows a full bottle of liquid to be partially turned over with liquid level inside the bottle higher than the liquid level at the mouth opening, yet allowing no liquid to flow out from the bottle. Liquid will start to flow out only after the, bottle is turned further and the tilting angle reaches the predetermined start-to-pour angle. The start-to-pour angle is the tilting angle of the bottle when outside air starts to enter the bottle and liquid inside the bottle starts to flow out. This design makes pouring liquid from a full bottle much less likely to spill. The curved passageway creates additional flow restriction in comparison to ordinary bottles without such design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: I-Chung Ho
  • Patent number: 6435378
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device comprises a tube and a holding means. When used with a container, the holding means is connected to a neck of the container and the tube is plunged into an interior of the container. An area on the tube, by which the tube is held by the holding means, defines a distance between a lower end of the tube and the bottom of the container. Consequently, a maximal amount of the fluid for the selected area that can be dispensed from the container upon its tilting is determined. A metering container is formed by combining the dispensing device and a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Alexander Aptekman
  • Patent number: 6138876
    Abstract: This device for plant, animal and bird feeders uses liquid container bottles of the type which are supported in an inverted position and have an outlet opening at its lower end which is in communication with a container basin. A deflated airtight flexible chamber is preassembled to a container basin with a tube outlet to the atmosphere through the container basin bottom. The container bottle is set in an upright position and filled with liquid. The deflated flexible chamber is then inserted into the liquid container threaded neck. This threaded neck is screwed into a threaded receptacle within the basin. The entire assembly is now rotated into an inverted position. Part of the fluid within the container bottle partially fills the container basin and seals the container bottle outlet orifice and because of gravity a partial vacuum is created in the upper region of the container bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: John C. Newby
  • Patent number: 6029861
    Abstract: A device for measuring and dispensing quantities of free flowing material. The device is a tube with one or more partial walls mounted in the tube. When held at an angle above the angle of repose for the free flowing material and rotated 180.degree. around the longitudinal axis of the tube and then another 180.degree. in either direction, free flowing material is measured and dispensed. The device can measure and dispense a variable amount of material by changing the volume of a variable volume chamber. The device can also be automated to turn by an electric motor or a mechanical device operated by a hand squeezed trigger. The device can be a hand-held tube for dispensing free flowing materials, or it can mount on the top of a container of free flowing materials, and be used to dispense quantities of the free flowing material on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Glen R. Gier
  • Patent number: 5718261
    Abstract: A cleaning solution dispenser installed in a water tank 2 includes a container 3 and a tubular flow regulator 4. The container receives cleaning solution therein and is formed with a downwardly opening outlet 31. The flow regulator extends into the outlet of the container and is divided by a partition plate 40 into upper and lower chambers 41, 42. The upper chamber has a closed top end and a surrounding wall formed with at least one radial port 43 opening adjacent to the partition plate. The flow regulator further has first and second tubes 44, 45 which extend upwardly from the partition plate into the upper chamber. The second tube is shorter than the first tube and has a top end which is located at a level higher than that of the port opening. The first and second tubes communicate the upper chamber with the lower chamber. The lower chamber has an open bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Bobson Hygiene International Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 5687783
    Abstract: A pet watering apparatus and method for automatically supplying pets with an ample quantity of safe, fresh drinking water is disclosed. Water is maintained in and flows between two connected vessels. A commercially available, plastic or glass water bottle is placed in an inverted position on top of one vessel, that acts as a water storage vessel. Drinking water for the animal in the second vessel is automatically kept at the same level at the bottom of the inverted water bottle's neck. When the level drops below the neck of the water bottle, the laws of physics will allow the pet's drinking water to automatically fill to the original position, thus creating a readily available supply of drinking water for the pet. A one-way water value separates the stored water in the first vessel from the available drinking water in the second vessel so that the stored water supply will not become contaminated with bacterial agents or other contaminates from the drinking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Michael E. Finnegan
  • Patent number: 5577527
    Abstract: A container for use in liquifying granular detergent and thereafter dispensing such liquified detergent to an industrial dishwashing machine, in which the container has a threaded end cap having a 2" center hole through its 4" diameter flat end and a flush plate attached to the end cap through a parallel spacing of 1/8". Hot water is directed through the space between the end cap and the flush plate, with a portion of the hot water being diverted through the hole in the end cap to engage any detergent not falling through the hole onto the flush plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventors: David P. Jacobs, Gaston Gaal
  • Patent number: 5547615
    Abstract: A portable humidifier including a base defining a reservoir for retaining liquid, a humidification device for inducing dispersion of liquid withdrawn from the reservoir and a liquid storage tank having an outlet for feeding liquid into the reservoir. Also included is a container defining a chamber for a given volume of a treatment substance for liquid and a discharge opening providing communication between the chamber and the tank, and a dispenser for automatically and periodically dispensing through the discharge opening to the tank a dose portion of the treatment substance contained volume within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Duracraft Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney B. Jan e, Jerald A. Bradley, John Longan
  • Patent number: 5477873
    Abstract: An artist's brush washing apparatus providing multiple washings of an artist's brush utilizing fresh solvent and facilities for holding contaminated solvent. A top unit includes a washing basin which receives fresh solvent from a solvent reservoir assembly. The top unit overlies a holding pan and a solvent flushing assembly provides for the control and removal of contaminated solvent from the washing basin into the pan and the introduction of fresh solvent into the washing basin from the solvent reservoir assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventors: Laurel Ramsey, C. Thomas Grimes
  • Patent number: 5397033
    Abstract: A dispenser for stored rodenticide pellets wherein the pellets are contained within a cylindrical cap which is maintained in contact with a base. The base includes an inclined skirt bounded by an external flange. The cap is raised on a central post to enable the pellets to move down the inclined base and rest adjacent the flange. The pellets are then available to rodents while being retained on the dispenser by the flange. The cap can be lowered to close the dispenser to deny access to remaining stored pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Farnam Companies
    Inventor: Eric N. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 5341963
    Abstract: A particle analyzer includes a vibratory driver for particulate samples which are received in a sample cup to be drizzled under controller vibration to an analysis cell of the analyzer along with a conveying air stream. The driver is arranged to impose orbital oscillatory motion in a vertical plane on the sample cup to roll the sample while assisting in sifting of the sample through conventional sieve screen sample cups. Avoidance of vibratory classification of the sample by particle size while the test is in progress, as well as avoidance of sample compaction is achieved with the described driver. Additionally, an improved predictability of sample feed rate control results from the use of the orbital driver also with a novel sample cup not utilizing a sieve screen, but employing the inherent characteristic of particulate materials to form an repose angle when piled up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Horiba Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Mott, Craig A. Wright
  • Patent number: 5205998
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for maintaining the purity of solid/granular product and dispensing high purity granular product from a vessel. A noncontaminating surface is provided by a cup, cylinder, or other structure having a surface of silicon, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, sialon, or similar materials and preferably operates as an angle of repose valve in a pressurized system to prevent contamination by undue contact of the high purity product with conventional gastight valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves, pinch valves, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Ethyl Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Boone, David W. Owens, Robert E. Farritor, Wesley D. Blank
  • Patent number: 5180080
    Abstract: To control the dispensing of granular dry matter, the upper face of a flange extending from the perforations in the top of a dispenser for granular dry matter is positioned substantially in a horizontal plane and the dispenser is shaken. The granular dry matter is dispensed from the container through a channel in the flange containing the perforations, over the upper face of the flange and observed by the user. The amount of granular dry matter on the upper face may be added to by further shaking the dispenser while briefly tilting it slightly so that the output end of the upper face is below its feed end. The amount of granular dry matter on the upper face may be reduced by shaking the dispenser while briefly tilting it so that the output end of its upper face is slightly above its feed end so that the granular dry matter falls into the channel and back into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Robert C. Geschwender
  • Patent number: 5093085
    Abstract: Fluidized bed reactor method and apparatus for removal of coarse material from the reactor. The apparatus comprises a discharge device including a substantially vertical pipe portion connected at one end with an outlet opening in the reactor grid, and at another end to an aeration chamber containing a discharge opening located below the level of the grid outlet opening; and a device for supplying pressurized air in short blasts of 30 to 100 milliseconds, preferably at pressures of from 2.5 to 7.0 bar, into the aeration chamber in the direction of the discharge opening to remove the coarse material from the reactor. Low pressure fluidizing air may be supplied to the vertical pipe portion as well as the aeration chamber to return small particles in the discharge device to the fluidization zone of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Folke Engstrom, Reijo Kuivalaninen
  • Patent number: 5065923
    Abstract: A food supporting element is used to support food, such as dip, in position near the open mouth of a food container to be easily accessible for serving. The supporting element includes a bowl that is spaced from the container, and is mounted on the container near the cover for that container. When the cover is closed, the container is inverted so food product moves past the food supporting bowl, and is then re-inverted to an upright orientation so food is supported on the bowl. The container is then opened and the food supported on the bowl is in position for serving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventors: Richard Hoefer, Clovia Hoefer
  • Patent number: 5016789
    Abstract: A mobile dispenser for granular safety material and having a container with an upper end and a lower end, a floor at the lower end, wheels on the floor, a dispensing opening at the front of the container with a dispensing tray extending forwardly from the opening, front and rear baffle plates fixedly secured in the container, and angled towards each other and creating a flow restricting gap at their free edges which gap opens towards the rear of the container so as to direct flow of granular material away from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Ramnaraine Singh
  • Patent number: 4903866
    Abstract: A gravity dispensing bin system includes one or more gravity dispensing bins in which bulk product supplied through an open top of the bin moves under gravity to a lower dispensing opening as product is dispensed, and a frame on which the dispensing bins are mounted. A plurality of bins may be mounted in vertically and/or horizontally aligned arrangement on the frame and the frame with the bin or bins mounted thereon may itself be mounted on any suitable structure, such as a wall, pegboard or column, or alternatively, may be free-standing. Each bin has an open top which is normally covered by the bottom of the next upper adjacent bin or an overlying frame portion in the case of the uppermost bin. The bins are hingedly mounted on the frame so that each can be tilted to provide access to the open top for filling with product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Design Display Group Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathon Loew
  • Patent number: 4871095
    Abstract: An improved container for dispensing a measured amount of a granulated solid. The container has a circular opening formed in the top which permits the complete filling of the container. A removable, hollow tube is then inserted into the circular opening. The hollow tube extends to the bottom of the box and has an opening therein which cooperates with a partition within the box to provide a measured pour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Inventor: Won I. Song
  • Patent number: 4854463
    Abstract: This invention consists of a container inside which potatoes or other vegetables or food may be kept until eaten within a short term. This parallelepiped-shaped container is a one-piece device provided with three different openings: there is one on the upper part of the container, one on the front part and a third one on the lower part. The three openings are themselves provided with three identical covers. The appropriate shape of the container provides a good rotation and ventilation of vegetables. Also, a plastic screen situated on the lower part of the container permits the filtration of vegetable deposits, which may be removed by opening the bottom cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Michel L. Cyr
  • Patent number: 4840143
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing apparatus for dry or liquid pet food of the type including a serving tray and a generally cylindrical storage container detachably secured to the tray so as to extend axially thereabove. The tray is provided with a generally circular opening for receiving the bottom of the storage container, and a flange projects radially into the opening. The flange is interrupted over a predetermined circumferential arc. The bottom of the storage container has a skirt portion that flairs downwardly and outwardly and has an outside diameter which is larger than the inside diameter of the interrupted flange. On the flaired skirt, a pair of diametrically opposed lugs project radially outwardly and each lug has a circumferential dimension which is smaller than the circumferential extent of the interruption in the tray flange. Immediately above the flaired skirt there is provided a downwardly facing annular seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Four Paws Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Allen Simon
  • Patent number: 4829708
    Abstract: A plant care apparatus having a container for holding a liquid of water or water with fertilizer to be delivered to plants. The container has an outlet opening in the bottom thereof, a fill opening in the top and a way to seal the top of the container from entry of atmospheric air. A consistent pressure chamber is disposed below the container outlet opening for holding a predetermined amount of liquid which drains from the container. An air control passageway leading from the outlet opening of the container down to a predetermined level in the consistent pressure chamber causes the liquid from the consistent pressure chamber to fill until it reaches the predetermined level and closes the passageway. Once this passageway is closed, it prevents air from entering the container and thereby prevents the liquid from flowing. At least one accumulation chamber is provided below the consistent pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Samuel Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 4782984
    Abstract: This invention teaches a dispensing container (10) whereby a predetermined quantity of powdery or granular materials can be dispensed for each pouring operation. Such container is partitioned into one volume control chamber (27) and one storage chamber (28) by a guard panel (50). Upon tilting of the container, material flows out through a metered dispensing outlet (30) until a swinging control panel (40), induced by gravity, moves downward to completely block any further outflow. The quantity to be dispensed can be changed by adjusting the opening sizes of the outlet. An additional free-flow outlet (35) provides the user an option to use this container either as a measured pourer or as a free pourer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Inventor: Peter T. Su
  • Patent number: 4779521
    Abstract: Apparatus for precision metering of selected amounts of fungible or granular material such as coffee consisting of a frame, a hopper supported by the frame having a large upper storage area and communicating with a small lower vertically oriented exiting trough, horizontal sliding plate extending below a forward lip of the exiting trough, the horizontal sliding plate having an edge contacting the extended rear lip and for moving the plate to traverse the rear lip during metering of the granular material, receptacle securably attached on an under side of the horizontal sliding plate, and the horizontal sliding plate cooperating with the rear lip during traverse of the horizontal sliding plate for filling the receptacle means by the rear lip causing the metering of the granular material on the sliding plate to dump into the receptacle. The forward lip is adjustable for controlling the magnitude of metering of the granular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventor: William L. Brumfield
  • Patent number: 4756348
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the discharge of fluent, particulate plastic material from a supply to a blending hopper comprises a delivery tube having a discharge orifice at its lower end that may be closed by a circular valve which seats against the delivery tube to close and seal the orifice. The valve is movable from its closed position to a fully open position in which a relatively large clearance exists between the discharge orifice and a body of material supported at its angle of repose on the valve. Material thus is able to cascade through the clearance to a receiving hopper whose weight is monitored by one or more load cells coupled to a microprocessor. When the weight of the receiving hopper increases to a selected value due to the delivery of material thereto, the valve is moved from its fully open position to a partially open position in which the aforementioned clearance is reduced substantially, thereby materially slowing the rate of discharge of material from the supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Hydreclaim Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Moller
  • Patent number: 4667857
    Abstract: A partitioned box for pouring a measured amount of a granulated solid. The box has a series of partitions starting at the bottom of the box and positioned along a line angled upwardly toward the pouring side of the box. A channel is formed along the pouring side of the box. As the box is moved from its upright position to a pouring position, the amount of granulated solid under the partitions is allowed to pour out of the spout. The amount released on any one pour is predetermined by the area under the partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Inventor: Won I. Song
  • Patent number: 4461400
    Abstract: A valveless dispenser and method of operating the same is disclosed for first gravitatinally collecting a measured volume of granular material from an elevated supply source by moving the dispenser into a first position, and for thereafter discharging the measured volume of material while precluding discharge of unmeasured material from the tank by moving the dispenser to a second position. The dispenser includes a wand, a measuring chamber, and a discharge chute all communicating with each other at a junction and all having longitudinal axes lying in a common substantially vertical plane. In one embodiment the wand is twisted about its longitudinal axis between said two positions; and in the other embodiments the wand is swung in the vertical planes between said two positions while maintaining said axes substantially vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis D. Kempf, Carlos A. Cordero
  • Patent number: 4443109
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically and continuously feeding, blending and mixing particulate material. In a non-mixing mode, a primary material is gravity fed through a vertical flow tube disposed in a chamber. Material flows into the chamber until an equilibrium level is established within the chamber. The volume of material fed through the system is governed by the through-put of a take-off screw, which communicates with a port in the bottom of the chamber. In a mixing mode, secondary materials, such as additives, are metered into the chamber at a point above the equilibrium mixing level, which secondary materials are mixed with the primary material, thereby automatically proportioning the final product feed. The vertical flow tube can be rotatable about its longitudinal axis in either mode to enhance mixing and feeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Vol-Pro Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Watts
  • Patent number: 4336131
    Abstract: A continuous gasification furnace and method of operation. The charge is fed into the furnace chamber between two rolls at least one of which is driven. The furnace chamber can be sealed from the ambient atmosphere. The bed of the furnace contains three zones from top to bottom, these zones are; a volatilization zone, a char reaction zone and an ash zone. Additionally, there can be a drying zone above the volatilization zone. Fuel, air, and steam enter the lower portion of the furnace through strategically located inlet ports. Fuel is used to start up the burning bed while carefully controlled steam to air ratio is used during continuous operation of the furnace. Simultaneously controlled steam cooling effects and exothermic reactions occur in the char reaction zone whereby all or controlled amounts of the oxygen is consumed so that pyrolysis can occur in the volatilization zone without the danger of combustion in that zone or combustion of the fumes leaving the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Midland-Ross Corporation
    Inventors: H. Dean Schmidt, Peter M. Eckstrom
  • Patent number: 4180014
    Abstract: An animal feeder having an upwardly open feeding trough at the lower end of a storage hopper. The hopper includes an upright front wall leading to the rear of the trough, a rearwardly spaced back wall, and an inclined wall leading downward and forwardly from the back wall to the trough. The feeder is constructed from two planar sheets of bendable stiff material, such as sheet metal. Each sheet has fold lines enabling it to be bent to the feeder configuration. Complementary tabs and slots are used to secure the two sheets to one another to complete the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Inventor: Donald C. Mathews
  • Patent number: 4138051
    Abstract: A container has a dispenser bin at one of its ends. The side wall of the bin is formed with a retaining tab which is received in a slot in the container to restrict opening of the bin at an angle of less than 90.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: Container Corporation of America
    Inventor: James A. Zicko
  • Patent number: 4094448
    Abstract: The dosing device is installed between a funnel-shaped storage container for the pulverulent material and an open vessel underneath it. It consists of a flat plate arranged between the open vessel and the outlet aperture of the storage container so that a standing column of material is formed between this plate and the outlet aperture, and a dosing rod which is displaceable or rotatable in a horizontal plane. The dosing rod is passed periodically through the column of substance and with each passage conveys an approximately constant quantity of material into the vessel underneath it. This device is also capable of dosing materials which tend to stick together and cake to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1978
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Haseler, Gunter VON DER Kall
  • Patent number: 4063666
    Abstract: A spout device is connected to a liquid storage container for metering and dispensing a quantity of liquid during each successive inverting of the device and container. The spout device includes a first chamber which is in fluid communication with the stored liquid by way of a volume controlling valve mechanism to receive via gravity a given volume of the liquid determined by the valve mechanism when the container is inverted into a pouring position from an upright initial position. When the container is returned to the upright position the given volume of liquid in the first chamber flows through a connecting dump and vent conduit into a second chamber situated below the first chamber. When the container is once again tipped into the inverted pouring position the liquid in the second chamber pours through a pour spout into a suitable receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1977
    Assignee: Neil Hugh Downing
    Inventors: Neil Hugh Downing, Edward Morris Brown, Edward Johnson Towns