Float-controlled Pressure Liquid Patents (Class 222/62)
  • Patent number: 11174037
    Abstract: A method of increasing fuel capacity of a fuel tank. The method includes creating a new filling port in the fuel tank, wherein the new filling port is vertically higher than the original filling port, sealing the original filling port, and installing an expansion tank above a top of the fuel tank, wherein the expansion tank is configured to permit expansion of fuel in the fuel tank beyond a maximum fill level of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Ouellet
  • Patent number: 9446886
    Abstract: A metering end cap provided to the neck of a flexible container containing a fluid and intended to transfer, at will, an amount of fluid from an upstream space towards a downstream space, this end cap including a chamber in which is disposed a movable valve normally biased towards a rest position and operationally moved towards an end position. The valve isolates the upstream space and the downstream space from each other in its end position and only in this position, and the outlet of the chamber communicates with the upstream space for any position of the valve other that its end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Flexidose
    Inventor: Patrick Wozna
  • Patent number: 8540118
    Abstract: A water dispenser is fluidly connectable to a water source. The water dispenser includes a water tank; a faucet fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to generate an activation signal after being activated; a valve fluidly connectable to the water source and fluidly connected to the water tank; a first float switch movably disposed in the water tank and configured to generate an open signal after moving away from a predetermined position; and a controller operatively connected to the faucet and the first float switch. The controller is configured to open the valve to refill the water tank with water from the water source after the controller receives both the activation signal from the faucet and the open signal from the first float switch. A method of operating the water dispenser is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Neil McDonald, Daniel Capelle, Daniel Brosnan
  • Patent number: 8484949
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI, furthermore perform a frequency analysis of the measured pressure value in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The method is adapted to be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Richard Sebestyen, Anders Lingenhult
  • Patent number: 8393141
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The can be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Richard Sebestyen, Conny Bergkvist
  • Publication number: 20120104031
    Abstract: A water dispenser is fluidly connectable to a water source. The water dispenser includes a water tank; a faucet fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to generate an activation signal after being activated; a valve fluidly connectable to the water source and fluidly connected to the water tank; a first float switch movably disposed in the water tank and configured to generate an open signal after moving away from a predetermined position; and a controller operatively connected to the faucet and the first float switch. The controller is configured to open the valve to refill the water tank with water from the water source after the controller receives both the activation signal from the faucet and the open signal from the first float switch. A method of operating the water dispenser is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Neil McDonald, Daniel Capelle, Daniel Brosnan
  • Patent number: 7992490
    Abstract: A by-pass control system for a meat injection system has a variable speed pump that transports fluid to a meat injection machine. Excess fluid is transported to a by-pass control valve. The valve has a moveable piston disposed therein that separates the valve into a fluid chamber and an air chamber. The piston moves back and forth based on the relationship between fluid pressure and air pressure. Sensors are disposed within or through the lid or the valve to sense the position of the piston. A controller is connected to the sensors and the variable speed pump and adjusts the speed of the pump based on the position of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Stork Townsend Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Pfeffer, Michael S. Simpson, Craig A. Smiens
  • Patent number: 7910074
    Abstract: A liquid transfer system for transferring liquid from a plurality of containers to a plurality of destinations comprises a plurality of inlet valves. Each inlet valve is operable between an open position allowing liquid from a container to be drawn into the system and a closed position blocking liquid from a container from being drawn into the system. Liquid drawn from each of the liquid containers is delivered to a buffer chamber designed to degas the liquid in the buffer chamber. The buffer chamber leads to a vented feeder chamber that is also adapted to retain a volume of liquid. A chamber connection valve is provided between the buffer chamber and the feeder chamber to allow or block the flow of liquid between the buffer chamber and the feeder chamber. The feeder chamber is connected to a plurality of distribution valves operable to deliver liquid to a plurality of destinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Li, Rongchang Xin, Elgardo Echevarria, John A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7758547
    Abstract: A process comprises the phases of: activating a pusher, which exerts a push force on a plunger of a syringe containing the infusion liquid; measuring the push force by means of a load cell; comparing the push force with a maximum threshold; halting the pusher when the maximum threshold is exceeded; after a predetermined pause, restarting the pusher and emitting a consent signal indicating correct loading of the syringe if, within a certain time from the restart, the push force again exceeds the maximum threshold. The infusion device serves to inject an anticoagulant into an extracorporeal blood circuit. The control process guarantees against loss of infusion due to an incorrect initial loading of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Claudio Tonelli, Andrea Ligabue, Silvano Cestari
  • Patent number: 7509955
    Abstract: A flashlight for dispensing a substance from an aerosol canister, the flashlight including an elongated housing having a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis, the aerosol canister being slidably received within the housing. At least one light emitting diode disposed approximate the front end of the housing and an elongated spray tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the aerosol canister and the spray tube extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis such that the distal end extends beyond the front end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Universal Guardian Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Cole, Michael J. Skellern
  • Patent number: 7100602
    Abstract: A flashlight for dispensing a substance from an aerosol canister includes an elongated housing having a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis, the aerosol canister being slidably received within the housing. The flashlight also includes at least one light emitting diode disposed approximate the front end of the housing and an elongated spray tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the aerosol canister and the spray tube extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis such that the distal end extends beyond the front end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Shield Defense Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Cole, Michael J. Skellern
  • Patent number: 6793102
    Abstract: A drinking-fluid dispenser includes a bottle disposed on a dispenser base. Mounted inside the bottle is a valve proximally connected to a float by an actuating arm. The valve is positioned above the fluid inside the bottle and is connected to a continuous-flow fluid source. During normal use, the float which buoyantly floats on fluid, closes and opens the valve, respectively, when the fluid rises and falls inside the bottle. There is also a pressure-vent unit having an orifice and is disposed through the bottle above the bottle fluid to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Access Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Ah Beng Tan, Peter H. M. Chang
  • Patent number: 6588630
    Abstract: A drinking fluid dispenser includes a bottle disposed on a dispenser base. Mounted inside the bottle is a valve proximally connected to a float by an actuating arm. The valve is positioned above the fluid inside the bottle and is connected to a continuous-flow fluid source. During normal operation, the float which buoyantly floats on fluid, closes and opens the valve, respectively, when the fluid rises and falls inside the bottle. There is also a pressure vent with an orifice disposed through the bottle and above the bottle fluid to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Access Global, Inc.
    Inventors: An Beng Tan, Peter H. M. Chang
  • Patent number: 6475654
    Abstract: An automatic reactant dispenser for use in an electrolysis cell for electrolyzing a reactant product into reactants, the dispenser comprising a container generally surrounding the electrodes with a cover that controls dispensation of a reactant produced at the electrode during electrolysis of the reactant product. In one embodiment, the cover has a plurality of apertures that allow passage of droplets of liquid reactant through the cover. The apertures are spaced on the cover so as to maintain separation of the droplets as they pass through the cover. In another embodiment, the bottom of the cover has a plurality of pockets which collect liquid reactant. Buoyant forces from the accumulated liquid reactant cause the cover to pivot open to release the accumulated liquid reactant. The pivoting of the cover may also temporarily interrupt the electrical circuit energizing the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne Thomas Bliesner
  • Patent number: 6349852
    Abstract: A cold beverage dispensing system for chilling a beverage such that at least a portion of the beverage includes a frozen component. The system includes a beverage hopper or tank for retaining a quantity of beverage and a chilling assembly communicating with the beverage hopper for chilling the beverage. The system also includes a beverage detector having a conductive probe carried on and extending into the beverage hopper for detecting the condition of either the presence or absence of a beverage at a predetermined level in the beverage hopper and generating a refill control signal corresponding to the condition detected. A refill assembly communicates with the beverage hopper for controllably providing refill beverage to the beverage hopper. A controller is coupled to the refill assembly and the beverage detector for operating the refill assembly in response to the refill control signal to maintain the beverage in the beverage hopper at the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: David F Ford
  • Patent number: 6293429
    Abstract: A variable-rate, digitally controlled fluid metering device having an electronically controlled 3-way valve, a fluid reservoir, a float valve, a check valve and a pressure relief valve that accurately delivers low flow volumes. The flow rate of the device is the product of reservoir volume and pulse rate when the cycle is long enough to fill and empty the reservoir and is a linear combination of cycle time when the cycle is short enough that the reservoir does not fill or empty completely. This device allows the use of large orifice emitters for delivering low flow rates of fluids, which allows the use of lower quality fluids and/or reduces filtration steps and clogging of emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture
    Inventors: Edward John Sadler, Carl R. Camp, Dean E. Evans, Lonnie J. Usrey
  • Publication number: 20010001467
    Abstract: A variable-rate, digitally controlled fluid metering device having an electronically controlled 3-way valve, a fluid reservoir, a float valve, a check valve and a pressure relief valve that accurately delivers low flow volumes. The flow rate of the device is the product of reservoir volume and pulse rate when the cycle is long enough to fill and empty the reservoir and is a linear combination of cycle time when the cycle is short enough that the reservoir does not fill or empty completely. This device allows the use of large orifice emitters for delivering low flow rates of fluids, which allows the use of lower quality fluids and/or reduces filtration steps and clogging of emitters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Applicant: USAD-ARS-OTT
    Inventors: EDWARD JOHN SADLER, CARL R. CAMP, DEAN E. EVANS, LONNIE J. USREY
  • Patent number: 5540362
    Abstract: A liquid soap supplying device of the present invention includes a tank for storing liquid soap, a discharging nozzle communicating with the tank through a pipe, a liquid soap supplying device for supplying liquid soap in the tank to the discharging nozzle, an air supplying device communicating with the discharging nozzle through a pipe and a mixing chamber for liquid soap and air arranged in the discharging port of the discharging nozzle. The liquid soap and air supplied under operation of each of the supplying devices are mixed and agitated in the mixing chamber so as to discharge the bubbled liquid soap. A pressuring device communicates with the air accumulation part at an inner upper part in the tank. An air feeding pipe is connected to the air accumulation part, and the liquid soap and air in the tank are fed to the discharging nozzle under an operation of the pressurizing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Toto, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Azuma, Yojiro Taketomi, Akimitsu Umemoto, Kaoru Nakano
  • Patent number: 5423457
    Abstract: A system for detecting product loss from a fluid product storage and dispensing means including at least one storage tank comprises tank volume monitoring devices, fluid dispenser monitoring devices and computer means to analyze the data from such devices at various times as determined by the status of the various elements to determine if there are unexplained shortages of product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Suntronic Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Nicholas, Jan L. Scott
  • Patent number: 5392965
    Abstract: A liquid soap supplying device of the present invention includes a tank for storing liquid soap, a discharging nozzle communicating with the tank through a pipe, a liquid soap supplying device for supplying liquid soap in the tank to the discharging nozzle, an air supplying device communicating with the discharging nozzle through a pipe and a mixing chamber for liquid soap and air arranged in the discharging port of the discharging nozzle. The liquid soap and air supplied under operation of each of the supplying devices are mixed and agitated in the mixing chamber so as to discharge the bubbled liquid soap. A pressuring device communicates with the air accumulation part at an inner upper part in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Toto, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Azuma, Yojiro Taketomi
  • Patent number: 5356051
    Abstract: A liquid soap supplying device of the present invention includes a tank for storing liquid soap, a discharging nozzle communicating with the tank through a pipe, a liquid soap supplying device for supplying liquid soap in the tank to the discharging nozzle, an air supplying device communicating with the discharging nozzle through a pipe and a mixing chamber for liquid soap and air arranged in the discharging port of the discharging nozzle. The liquid soap and air supplied under operation of each of the supplying devices are mixed and agitated in the mixing chamber so as to discharge the bubbled liquid soap. A pressuring device communicates with the air accumulation part at an inner upper part in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Toto, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Azuma, Yojiro Taketomi
  • Patent number: 4387595
    Abstract: A float of a system for pressure feeding of slurry including a main body in the form of a bellows having a liquid and a gas sealed therein. The float has an apparent specific gravity which may vary depending on the value of pressure of a slurry or a driving liquid, whereby the slurry can be continuously fed from at least one slurry supply chamber by a driving liquid under high pressure to a desired destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakatsu Sakamoto, Kenji Uchida, Shuichi Nagano