Hand Manipulable Tool Patents (Class 62/293)
  • Patent number: 5946930
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a container such as a metal or plastic can containing a product and having a conventional unified bottom and side container wall terminating in an upper sealing flange. A refrigerant receptacle is provided including a receptacle cup having a cup wall. The cup wall has an expandable portion sealingly connected to a top wall to form a refrigerant receptacle chamber. A portion of the top wall is shaped into an invertible conical reservoir for temporary storage of liquified refrigerant. The reservoir has a small port opening at the lowest point for transfer of liquified refrigerant into and out of the refrigerant chamber. Several cup wall sections extend vertically above the top wall wall to conntect to a sealing flange which extends laterally. The spaces between the cup wall sections act as passageways for the product. The receptacle is filled with a sold or powdered form of carbon molecules of Fullerene nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 5947960
    Abstract: The cap which is threaded onto the dewar of a cryosurgical instrument has a vent hole therethrough which is normally closed off by a gasket when the cap is secured to the dewar, but which can allow the venting of gaseous cryogen therethrough when the cap is loosened. The threads of the cap have a scalloped region in which the threads have been machined away so as to provide a passage for gaseous cryogen, whereby, when the cap is loosened on the dewar, pressure therein is released by gas escaping either through the hole or through the scalloped region of the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Brymill Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Griswold
  • Patent number: 5901783
    Abstract: A microminiature laminated heat exchanger for use in a cryogenic probe, and a method of manufacture. The heat exchanger has high and low pressure flow patterns etched into oxygen free copper sheets, with the flow patterns being tortuous paths promoting turbulent flow. The sheets containing the flow patterns are bonded into a laminated assembly in the shape of a cylinder, with a high pressure inlet and a low pressure outlet in a first end, and a high pressure outlet and a low pressure inlet in a second end. The high pressure flow path lies alongside the low pressure flow path, with flow in the two paths being in opposite directions, to accomplish counterflow heat exchange. Substantial portions of the flow paths are either parallel to, or transverse to, the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger, with the resulting heat flow being essentially radial or axial, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignees: Croyogen, Inc., Secretary of Commerce
    Inventors: John D. Dobak, III, Ray Radebaugh, Eric D. Marquardt
  • Patent number: 5878579
    Abstract: A device for heating or cooling a fluid. A heat transfer probe (tubular member) is insertable into the fluid to heat or cool the fluid. The tubular probe has a plurality of thermoelectric modules mounted in the wall thereof and the modules are in contact with air in the center of the tubular probe and with fluid in the container. Each module is comprised of mating N and P semiconductors. Heat or cooling is generated by the modules dependent on the direction of electrical current flow through the modules. Fins are bonded to the modules and extend into the ambient air in the tube to facilitate thermal transfer between the ambient air which flows across the modules in the tube. Fins are also bonded to the opposite side of the thermoelectric module and extend into the fluid to facilitate thermal transfer in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Lynn L. Boyer, III
  • Patent number: 5865036
    Abstract: A rapid refrigeration apparatus includes a container having a container upper end, a container wall with a container opening in the container upper end bordered by a container rim, the container liquid container contents; a receptacle extending within the container and containing a refrigerant, the receptacle including a cup portion sized to fit into the container opening, a cup flange sized to rest against and sealing secured to, the container rim and a cup wall, at least a portion of which is expandable, the cup wall having cup wall opening mechanism for releasing the container contents into the receptacle; and a lid sealingly secured to the cup flange and including a lid opening mechanism for releasing the refrigerant from the receptacle into the atmosphere and for releasing the container contents from the receptacle for consumption; the lid opening mechanism including a lid opening mechanism activation mechanism for voluntarily opening the lid opening mechanism at a selected moment in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Anthony
  • Patent number: 5852938
    Abstract: A freezing apparatus for liquid-filled pipelines (3, 5) uses a vaporizable refrigerant conducted in a circuit through a hose (13) with an internal capillary line (14). The apparatus has a contact body (1) with a contact surface (2) for the pipeline (3, 5) or for an adapter (4) and expansion chambers (6, 7) for the evaporation of the refrigerant. To improve the ease of handling and the thermal efficiency by making it possible for the temperature to be measured very close to the apparatus, the hose (13) is attached to the contact body (1) in the direction normal to a surface line of the contact surface (13). The contact body (1), furthermore, has a projection (16) at the side of the contact surface (2), this projection carrying a thermally insulated clamping spindle (17) for attaching the contact body (1) to the pipeline (3, 5). The spindle in turn contains a temperature sensor (20, 20a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Rothenberger Werkzeuge AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Fuhr, Rudolf Herrgen, Michael Nolle, Thilo Weber
  • Patent number: 5845501
    Abstract: A device for chilling the contents of a beverage container (10, 74) comprising a shell, the interior of which is adapted to accommodate the container (10, 74) the contents of which are to be chilled, and the wall of which comprises an annular reservoir (16, 70) for liquified refrigerant gas under pressure, which surrounds the container. The reservoir (16, 70) is openable at (30, 76) to permit the liquefied refrigerant to escape therefrom and create a cooling effect on the wall of the container (10, 74), consequent on the change of phase from liquid to gas, and expansion of the gas, to chill the container (10, 74) and its contents. The outer surface of the shell is formed with a heat insulating layer (24, 78) so that the cooling effect is preferentially directed towards the interior. The reservoir (16, 70) may be vented at the top of the bottom or through a plurality of apertures (106, 108) distributed around the interior of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: David Richard Stonehouse, Timothy Michael Wood, Craig Harvey Nelson, David Livingstone, Frances Brindle, Philip Theaker
  • Patent number: 5836167
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for freezing large pipe plugs, including in particular subsea applications, wherein the apparatus includes a jacket adapted to encircle a section of large pipe, a recycling refrigeration unit having said jacket connected as an evaporation chamber and, for subsea applications, a submersible housing enclosing a portion of such refrigeration unit; the method including landing a submersible recycling refrigeration unit on or proximate a pipe and cycling, and preferably reverse cycling, a refrigerant therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Nowsco Well Service Ltd.
    Inventors: Stuart D. Clouston, Paul S. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 5826636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for charging a closed, pressurizable fluid system with an appropriate fluid, comprising a) connecting to the system a closed, unpressurized container containing a predetermined amount of the fluid, b) mechanically forcing the contents out of the container into the system being recharged, and c) disconnecting the container. Preferably, the container is a cylindrical cartridge having a piston sealably disposed therein to displace the cartridge contents. The method and apparatus are effective in recharging various pressurized systems and fluids, such as air conditioning and refrigeration coolant lines, dye injectors, oils, chemicals, glue and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Phil Trigiani
  • Patent number: 5768907
    Abstract: A sanitary pest control system including a housing. An air conditioning system is disposed within a hollow interior of the housing. The air conditioning system has a power cord extending outwardly of the housing for coupling with an electrical outlet. A power switch is disposed within a top wall of the housing. The power switch is electrically coupled with the air conditioning system for selective activation or deactivation thereof. A temperature control panel is disposed within a forward wall of the housing and operatively coupled with the power switch and the air conditioning system for adjusting air temperature. An air release nozzle couples with respect to the housing and is in communication with the air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Frank R. Lee
  • Patent number: 5765385
    Abstract: A self-cooling beverage container system. The system includes a can, and an external chamber coupled to the bottom of the can for containing compressed gas therein. Helical tubing in the form of a single or double helix resides within the can. A first open end of the tubing is disposed in communication with the external chamber, and an opposing terminal end of the tubing is closed, preferably being accessible with a pull-tab as presently known in the field for opening a vessel responsive to pulling action by a user. When the terminal end of the tubing is opened it communicates with atmosphere, permitting the compressed gas to flow from the external chamber through the tubing and into atmosphere. The gas expands as it flows, thereby withdrawing heat from the surrounding beverage in which the tubing is submerged to cool the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Michael A. Childs
  • Patent number: 5758505
    Abstract: A miniature mixed gas refrigeration system and method of operation are disclosed. An optimum gas mixture is formulated from a group of component fluids, according to calculated thermodynamic properties of a group of candidate fluid mixtures. The gas mixture is pressurized by a compressor to a pressure less than 420 psia, for safety reasons. The compressed gas mixture is passed through a primary heat exchanger, and then through a primary-to-secondary heat exchanger, to precool the gas mixture. The secondary side of the primary/secondary heat exchanger is cooled by a secondary Joule-Thomson refrigeration system. Properly sized flow restrictions in the primary side of the primary/secondary heat exchanger can solidify and trap liquid contaminants that may be in the gas mixture. The gas mixture exiting the primary outlet of the primary/secondary heat exchanger passes to a primary Joule-Thomson expansion element where the high pressure gas is expanded isenthalpically to a lower temperature at least as low as 183K.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: CryoGen, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Dobak, III, Terry L. Brown, Kambiz Ghaerzadeh, Xiaoyu Yu
  • Patent number: 5738682
    Abstract: In methods and apparatus for cooling surfaces, a pressurized liquid refrigerant is dispensed through a shaped member composed of an open celled foam. The method is particularly useful for localized freezing of a wart or other growth prior to its removal from skin of a human being or another animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Koninklijke Utermohlen N.V.
    Inventor: Klaas Jensma
  • Patent number: 5704104
    Abstract: A method and machine are disclosed for using a cold dry abrasion step for separating segments of discarded carpet into pile material (usually nylon) and backing layers (usually polypropylene) for recycling. A preferred method of abrasion uses dry ice pellets (made of frozen carbon dioxide) which are ejected at high speed from a set of nozzles that shoot the pellets directly into an abrasion zone, as a segment of discarded carpet on a conveyor system is being stripped apart and disassembled. The dry ice pellets "freeze" the binder material (usually latex) by lowering it to a temperature that makes the binder brittle and easy to break apart. The pellets also serve as abrasive agents, in a manner comparable to sand-blasting; however, unlike sandblasting or liquid (steam or chemical) systems, the dry ice pellets evaporate (sublimate) directly into gas without going through a liquid phase, and without leaving any liquid or gritty residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventors: Forrest C. Bacon, Wendell R. Holland, Lial H. Holland
  • Patent number: 5704222
    Abstract: A rapid refrigeration apparatus and method for beverages having a container (10) with a flexible thin-film aluminum or plastic receptacle (16) secured to an upper end of the container (10) by way of an expansion nut (18). The receptacle (16) has a variable volume and is arranged to be in thermal contact with an internal region of said container. A refrigerant is placed within said receptacle and as the volume of the receptacle decreases during collapse due to evaporation of escaping refrigerant provides cooling of the container's contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Cold Pack Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Hage, Michael Anthony
  • Patent number: 5692391
    Abstract: A disposable beverage container including a heat exchange unit which, when activated, releases a refrigerant and cools the beverage. The heat exchange unit contains the refrigerant and includes a valve for controllably releasing the same. The refrigerant is a mixture of at least one liquified petroleum gas having a pressure profile of 70 psi at 70.degree. F. and a halogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: The Joseph Company
    Inventor: William Daniel Joslin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5680770
    Abstract: Apparatus for freezing liquid in a fluid conducting pipe comprises a freeze jacket having two halves for releasably surrounding a section of pipe. Each jacket half includes outwardly extending flanges in abutting relationship when the jacket halves surround the section of pipe, and structure is provided on the flanges for releasably securing the two jacket halves together around the pipe. The jacket has an internal cylindrical freeze cavity adjacent the pipe and this cavity receives and retains a supply of liquid nitrogen. The cylindrical freeze cavity is defined in part by an inner two-part fixedly secured cylindrical sleeve, one half of the sleeve being associated with each half of the jacket. Insulation is positioned on the outside of each fixed sleeve half between that sleeve and an outer removable cover. Removal of the cover enables internal structural repairs and exposes the insulation for removal and replacement with new insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Freeze Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Hall, Kevin C. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5608159
    Abstract: A freeze device for an elongated element includes a pressure vessel disposed about at least a part of the element and a freeze seal between the part of the elongated element and the pressure vessel. The freeze seal includes a frozen material exerting a force inwardly against the part of the element and outwardly against the pressure vessel by virtue of having been frozen in situ such that the frozen material thereby seals the elongated element to the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Carcone, Jon W. Engelberth, James T. LaGrotta, Joseph V. Newell
  • Patent number: 5603221
    Abstract: A cryogenic surgical apparatus comprises: a) a plurality of probes, each having a contact surface, each of which probes is suitable for creating fast temperature changes at the said contact surface; b) temperature generation means, coupled to each of the said probes, being capable of creating cryogenic and above 0.degree. C. temperatures at the said contact surface of the said probe; and c) temperature control means, to control the said temperature generation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: State of Israel, Ministry of Defense, Rafael-Armaments Development Authority
    Inventor: Ben-Zion Maytal
  • Patent number: 5577387
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating controlled temperature changes on a contact surface, comprises: a) a probe having a contact surface, which probe is suitable for creating fast temperature changes at the said contact surface; b) temperature generation means, coupled to the said probe, being capable of creating cryogenic and above 0.degree. C. temperatures at the said contact surface of the said probe; and c) processing means to control the said temperature generation means according to predetermined operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: State of Israel, Ministry of Defence, Rafael-Armaments Development Authority
    Inventor: Ben-Zion Maytal
  • Patent number: 5571233
    Abstract: An apparatus for freezing water in a pipe at a given location including a tank having an amount of pressurized gas disposed therein at a temperature below the freezing point of water; a valve coupled to the tank and openable for allowing the gas to be expelled; a flexible discharge hose having a proximal end coupled to the valve and a distal end extended therefrom; and a flow nozzle coupled to the distal end the discharge hose, each flow nozzle having a fabric sleeve, an elastomeric pad with a hollow interior slidably inserted within the sleeve, a plurality of through holes formed on one side of the pad, a tubular coupler having an inboard end secured to the pad and in communication with the interior and an outboard end removably coupled to the distal end of the hose, and a coupling mechanism secured to the sleeve for removably coupling the sleeve to the pipe, whereby when the flow nozzle is wrapped around the pipe and the valve is opened, gas flows through the discharge hose and out the flow nozzle for cooli
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventors: Mark Rolland, Joseph Ferris
  • Patent number: 5555740
    Abstract: A manually operated refrigeration apparatus includes a refrigerant compressor which is operated solely by manual or pedal power, and which requires no other automated or external power or energy source. The apparatus generally comprises a cylindrical refrigerant compressor, with the refrigerant being compressed by a piston driven by a coil spring within the cylinder. The spring is in turn compressed by an external lever or pedal operated linkage, with compression of the refrigerant being initiated when the spring compression is released. The refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, whereby the refrigerant pressure drops to cause the fluid to evaporate and drop in temperature, as in powered refrigeration devices. The apparatus is connected to an insulated cooler chest or the like, with the chest including refrigerant lines within the walls and/or floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Robert L. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 5548965
    Abstract: An evaporator has an outer surface and inner chamber. The outer surface having at least two pipe receiving surfaces and a pair of ends. The evaporator has a bore extending from one of the ends to the inner chamber. A tube extends into the bore sealing the chamber, such that a refrigerant flows into the inner chamber through an inner tube and out of the inner chamber through the tube. Each of the pipe receiving surfaces having a distinct surface adapted for receiving different size pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Spectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Limin Chen, Arthur J. Radichio
  • Patent number: 5540062
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating controlled temperature changes on a contact surface, comprises: a) a probe having a contact surface, which probe is suitable for creating fast temperature changes at the contact surface; b) temperature generation assembly, coupled to the probe, being capable of creating cryogenic and above 0.degree. C. temperatures at the contact surface of the probe; and c) processing assembly to control the temperature generation assembly according to predetermined operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: State of Israel, Ministry of Defence, Rafael Armaments Development Authority
    Inventor: Ben-Zion Maytal
  • Patent number: 5520682
    Abstract: A closed end surgical cryoprobe instrument may have a probe shaft diameter of 3 millimeters or less and can achieve and maintain freezing zone temperatures close to that of the liquid cryogenic refrigerant. Using sub-cooled liquid nitrogen at approximately -208.degree. C. freezing zone temperatures as low as -206.degree. C. can be achieved in under 1 minute. The liquid nitrogen supply tube is provided with a plurality of small vent holes to vent gas formed or present in the refrigerant supply tube to the return refrigerant flow channel. The vent holes also allow small amount of liquid nitrogen to vent into the return flow channel to further reduce the temperature differential between the sub-cooled liquid nitrogen supply and the counter current flowing return refrigerant. Heat transfer is maintained through nucleate boiling. In place of vent holes, narrow slits may be provided in the supply tube. Alternatively, a sintered porous metal supply tube can be used as the vent means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Cryomedical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Baust, ZhaoHua Chang, J. J. Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 5452582
    Abstract: In the cryo-probe, refrigerant is furnished from a high pressure, room temperature supply. Insulation of the refrigerant lines is unnecessary. Refrigerant flows through a pre-cooling heat exchanger in the probe and through a restrictor wherein the pressure drops. In accordance with the Joule-Thompson effect, the refrigerant expands and becomes cold and liquid is applied in the region of the cryo-tip to provide rapid cooling thereof. Expanded refrigerant gas at low pressure reverses direction and flows back from the cold tip in counterflow arrangement through the aforementioned heat exchanger to give a pre-cooling effect to the refrigerant incoming from the external supply. A second tube for conveying warm-up gas is located in the probe and extends to the cold tip. After cryosurgery is complete, the high pressure flow is stopped and warm gas is delivered to the tip in the probe at reduced pressure through the second tube from the same refrigerant supply as is used for cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: APD Cryogenics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph C. Longsworth
  • Patent number: 5447039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a pop top mechanism of a disposable beverage container which includes a lance in the pop top lever which can be pressed downwardly to penetrate the top of the container allowing a refrigerant inside the container to be released into the atmosphere thereby cooling the contents of the container by evaporation of the refrigerant coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Robert S. Allison
  • Patent number: 5400602
    Abstract: A hose designed to facilitate supply and return of cryogenic fluid such as a liquefied gas includes supply and return conduits wrapped in multiple layers of reflective metallized material, which is surrounded by a layer of foam material which is, in turn, surrounded by a protective outer layer such as, for example, a woven cover. The conduits are made of a material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. The inventive hose is lightweight and maintains flexibility for extended periods of time with cryogenic fluid flowing through the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Cryomedical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: ZhaoHua Chang, John Baust, Larry Pottorff
  • Patent number: 5372017
    Abstract: A system for cooling fluid stored in a generally cylindrical container is disclosed. The system includes a generally cylindrical hollow coil element having an engaged orientation for engaging the container and at least one disengaged orientation in which the container is disengaged. The hollow coil element is configured to provide thermal engagement between a refrigerant fluid located interiorly thereof and the container when the hollow coil element is in the engaged orientation. The hollow coil element includes at least one elongate hollow element with a nonuniform generally spiral configuration, wherein the spiral defines a plurality of turns of the elongate hollow element. There is also disclosed a system for cooling gaseous fluid stored in a selectably disengageable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Lordan & Co.
    Inventors: Hugo Zorea, Ami Kotler, Uri Tyroler, Chaim Brody
  • Patent number: 5365750
    Abstract: The refrigerative probe comprises in combination an insert member fit into, and cooperating with, a probe housing to provide an elongated flowpath in fluid communication with the inner surface of said probe housing. The elongated pathway, being partly defined by a channel formed in the outer surface of the insert member and partly formed by the probe housing, is easily formed in the assembled probe by inserting the insert member into the probe housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: California Aquarium Supply
    Inventor: Steven Greenthal
  • Patent number: 5331817
    Abstract: A portable, self contained heating or cooling apparatus for a beverage can is disclosed. A vortex tube is provided which supplies the needed heating or cooling effect to the beverage in the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: The Joseph Company
    Inventor: Michael Anthony
  • Patent number: 5291740
    Abstract: Defrosting tool for maintaining the temporarily exposed cold head interface of a cryostat in frost-free condition. A plurality of electrically heated heat exchange surfaces of the tool simultaneously contacts a like plurality of cold head interface surfaces to vaporize frost formed on the latter. The tool further provides a passage for venting the vaporized frost to the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Steven D. Schnurer
  • Patent number: 5289689
    Abstract: histological tissue freezing process is provided. The process includes spraying a chemical, tetrafluoroethane, onto a portion of a histological tissue specimen before sectioning thereof. The use of tetrafluoroethane has the advantages of not causing ozone depletion, reduced global warming potential and producing a colder spray. A spray can for spraying the chemical is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Cornwell Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Cornwell, Daniel E. Behler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5287707
    Abstract: Here is described a portable chiller with which an ophthalmic solution, cosmetic preparation, beverage or the like in a small container can be conveniently chilled. This portable chiller consists generally of a cylinder filled with a liquefied refrigerant gas and a chiller case. This chiller case includes a cylinderloading compartment, a cooling compartment in which the article is chilled, and a refrigerant ejection device for ejecting the refrigerant from the cylinder accommodated in the cylinder compartment into the cooling compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Senju Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Kitayama
  • Patent number: 5271234
    Abstract: A method for removing tile adhered by a substance to a floor includes the step of enclosing a volume generally above an area of the floor and tile, with the tile and floor defining the bottom of the volume enclosed. The temperature in the volume enclosed is reduced so that the substance adhering the tile to the floor becomes embrittled. The apparatus is maintained in position over the area of the floor for a predetermined time to produce the required embrittlement of the adhering substance, and then moved to expose the area of the floor previously below the volume enclosed. The tile is then removed from the floor. An apparatus for use in the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: David L. Carter
    Inventors: David L. Carter, James B. Simms
  • Patent number: 5235823
    Abstract: A cooling device for use with liquids in open containers, the device containing a freezable material. The cooling device is configured to have a distal end for immersion in the container, a proximal end to be positioned at the surface of the liquid, and a tapered portion whereby the maximum cross-sectional diameter of the tapered portion occurs at the distal end, with the cross-sectional dimension progressively decreasing towards the proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: William F. Coker
  • Patent number: 5222999
    Abstract: Electronic circuitry 22, 24, 26 is thermally checked by cooling with liquified nitrogen from a cryogenic delivery unit 19, directly by means of a stream 10 or a spray 28 delivered through an aperture 11, 30 of the delivery unit 19 spaced from the surface of the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Brymill Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Bryne
  • Patent number: 5201193
    Abstract: A beverage cooling device is provided for use with a capsule containing preferably liquified gas such as carbon dioxide. The beverage cooling device includes a cap section having a top with at least one aperture formed therethrough, a push rod projecting downwardly from the top, a sidewall, and a base. Additionally, the beverage cooling device includes a base section detachably secured to the cap section with the base section having a bottom and a base section top. The base section top has formed therein a base section aperture and the base section has projecting upwardly therefrom a pierce pin. The base section bottom also has a lower surface adjacent the pierce pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventors: Shaam P. Sundhar, Biharilal B. Lund
  • Patent number: 5189890
    Abstract: Here is described a portable chiller with which an ophthalmic solution, cosmetic preparation, beverage or the like in a small container can be conveniently chilled. This portable chiller consists generally of a cylinder filled with a liquefied refrigerant gas and a chiller case. This chiller case includes a cylinderloading compartment, a cooling compartment in which the article is chilled, and a refrigerant ejection device for ejecting the refrigerant from the cylinder accommodated in the cylinder compartment into the cooling compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Senju Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Kitayama
  • Patent number: 5131239
    Abstract: A discrete, internal self-cooling device installed in a standard beverage can during assembly that operates on the principle of heat loss through vaporization. A refrigerant vessel is provided for holding a cryogenic refrigerant. The vessel includes a refrigerant vessel body made up of cylindrical side walls having upper and lower rims, an upper plug sealing the upper end of the vessel and a lower plug sealing a lower medial portion of the vessel. The upper plug includes a metering orifice extending axially therethrough, and the lower plug includes a hole extending therethrough and aligned with the metering orifice. A piston is received within the vessel between the lower rim and the lower plug, and includes a rod-like piston extension extending through the lower plug hole. The piston extension includes a tip dimensioned to be received in the metering orifice in sealing fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: John J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5132089
    Abstract: A hand-held cryofixation apparatus in the form of a pistol handgrip into which is mounted a pneumatic cylinder and piston rod. A removable adapter and tissue mount is attached to the end of said piston rod. The handgrip is further fashioned with a slot or cutout into which is slidably disposed an L-shaped metal rod, the upturned leg of which supports a mirror finish metal block. Upon activation of the pneumatic cylinder the tissue mount is slammed against the mirror finish metal block which has been precooled by immersion into a cryogen such as liquid nitrogen or helium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Fred G. Lightfoot
  • Patent number: 5098428
    Abstract: An insulated, compact, mobile crysosurgical instrument is provided that has no moving parts in contact with a liquefied gas coolant retained in an insulated container. Upon interrupting normal venting from the container, the liquefied gas coolant will build up a pressure in the container which may be increased by a squeeze pressure device. That pressure will cause the liquefied gas coolant to spray from a nozzle until normal venting is restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventors: Felix M. Sandlin, Jack D. Waller
  • Patent number: 5083441
    Abstract: A manually actuated comestible cooling device (Z) that may be removably secured to a food or liquid holding utensil (F), container, or the like, which will generate a draft in a desired direction that is of material assistance in fanning and cooling the food or liquid held by the utensil (F), container, or other food or liquid holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Eric S. Zeitlin
  • Patent number: 5079932
    Abstract: The invention describes a sorption self-cooling beverage device which cools its beverage instantaneously, and no heat conducting surfaces are required. A chamber containing a beverage is mixed with a consumable refrigerant such as water. The boiling point of the beverage-refrigerant mixture is lowered to freezing temperatures by an air vacuum. The vapor generated by the boiling beverage-refrigerant mixture is conducted to another chamber containing a desiccant, which removes the vapor. A barrier permeable to water vapor but not to desiccant particles is placed between the beverage-refrigerant and desiccant chambers to prevent a contamination of the beverage by the desiccant. A water absorber is placed in the desiccant chamber to prevent a contamination of the beverage with liquid which may have entered the desiccant chamber from the beverage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Israel Siegel
  • Patent number: 5058396
    Abstract: A system for cooling comestibles is provided in multiple tiers of relatively shallow trays or receptacles vertically spaced apart at close intervals and mounted in a rack, in combination with one or more hollow wands containing refrigerant. Each wand is configured to have a longitudinally grooved immersible section which is insertible through narrow spaces between trays into material to be chilled. A reservoir for refrigerant extends from one end of the wand to the other. The wand can be periodically or continuously manipulated in twirling, revolving and translating motions which simultaneously mix the food and agitate the refrigerant so that the refrigerant circulates within the interior of the wand and quickly cools the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Syracuse University
    Inventor: Norman A. Faiola
  • Patent number: 5056318
    Abstract: A refrigerating and/or heating device of the contact type utilizing the endothermic and exothermic reactions of a hydrogen absorbing alloy comprises a contact member (16) in the form of a closed container (18) having a contact surface (17) and packed with a hydrogen absorbing alloy (19), a handle member (21) in the form of a closed container (22) packed with another hydrogen absorbing alloy (23), and a gas pipe (25) interconnecting the two members and having a valve (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Yonesaki, Akio Furukawa, Shin Fujitani, Kenji Nasako, Ikuo Yonezu
  • Patent number: 5042261
    Abstract: A histological tissue freezing process is provided. The process includes an aerosol can with an adjustable flow rate spray unit for spraying a chemical, monochlorodifluoromethane, onto a portion of a histological tissue specimen before sectioning thereof. The use of monochlorodifluoromethane has the dual advantage reducing ozone depletion and producing a colder spray. The spray means has a horizontal hinged spray bar with a passage with a spray outlet and has a horizontal hinged actuator plate with a trigger for slightly turning the actuator plate unit and spray bar. A tube has a passage connecting to the spray bar passage. The tube has an upper end coupled to the spray bar and an intermediate end extending through a can upper wall and a lower end disposed inside the can. The tube lower end has an adjustable orifice opening. The tube also has a latching unit, a compression spring, and seal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Cornwell Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Yeakel, John H. Cornwell
  • Patent number: 5038576
    Abstract: An automatic speedy coolant jetting device, comprising a container which including all related elements is installed in the central area beneath a car roof, a jet can loaded with speedy coolant, a starting gear to press the jet can's valve, a PC board integrated with a control circuit and a microswitch which is fixed behind the knob of the car door. With a shifter on the PC board arranged for conduction between the microswitch and the control circuit, when the car door is opened and the microswitch touched, the IC time control circuit is conducted open, and by way of a delay circuit set to delay a few seconds, the speedy coolant spraying will automatically start and continue till predetermined time is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Feng-Lin Hwang
  • Patent number: 5007248
    Abstract: A vehicle having an integrated air conditioning system and beverage cooling system comprising apparatus for compressing a refrigerant fluid, first apparatus for receiving and evaporating the compressed refrigerant fluid, apparatus associated with the air conditioning system for circulating air across the first apparatus for receiving and evaporating, and second apparatus in heat conductive engagement with a beverage container for receiving and evaporating the compressed refrigerant fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Lordan & Co.
    Inventors: Eliahu Maier, Yair Kovesh, Abraham Zorea
  • Patent number: 4993236
    Abstract: A discrete internal self-cooling device (106) installed in a standard beverage can (100) during assembly. An evaporative cryogenic refrigerant vessel (112) has a cylinder vent hole (118) formed through it near its upper rim (120) adjacent to cylinder (126). An upper plug (122) sealing (112) has off-set inner (123) and outer (125) metering orifice segments formed in it axially. Intersecting these segments, an automatic pressure actuated release means comprises a transverse plug cylinder (126) containing a pressure actuated piston (131) carrying two axially rotatable rings (133) which form a circular piston channel (135) that opens or closes orifice segments (123) and (125) depending on its alignment with them. Alternative piston and rings configurations are provided. A means for thermally insulating vessel (112) from can (110) is provided by thermal transfer fin-spacers (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: John J. Wilson