Storage Or Food Receptacle Patents (Class 96/148)
  • Patent number: 10279966
    Abstract: A humidity-stabilizing device for tobaccos or dried herbs that can be attached to the interior of a lid of a container to control relative humidity in the container. The device is a sealable container with internal compartments which are divided by a moisture-permeable barrier. The compartments separately hold moisture-absorbent material and humidity-stabilizing silica gel beads that together maintain the relative humidity of the container by action of evaporation and absorption. Because evaporate rather than water is employed in the humidification process, tap water rather than distilled water can be used to wet the moisture-absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Robin Solomon
  • Patent number: 9205419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel micro or mesoporous metal organic frameworks (MOFs) which contain as ligands piperidine based phosphonic acids, as well as a method of synthesizing such MOFs and uses of the MOFs themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: University Court of the University of St Andrews
    Inventors: Paul A. Wright, Michael T. Wharmby, John P. S. Mowat
  • Patent number: 9138502
    Abstract: An air freshener device includes a rigid body or insert having a front face with a protrusion, a rear opposite the front face with a cavity corresponding to the protrusion, and an annular perimeter lip circumscribing the front face. A scent material is interspersed within the body. A flexible cover or shell extends across the rear of the body and covers the cavity, and has an inward facing annular groove surrounding and receiving the annular perimeter lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: American Covers, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Irvin, Nate Finlay
  • Publication number: 20140260991
    Abstract: Embodiments of oxygen concentrators having a sieve bed that includes a vessel containing a separation medium are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sieve bed vessel attaches to a chassis component using a press-fit configuration to lock and seal the sieve bed vessel to a chassis component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Null, JR., Samuel J. Shelnutt
  • Patent number: 8591634
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovering a desired gas such as xenon difluoride, xenon, argon, helium or neon, from the effluent of a chemical process reactor that utilizes such gases alone or in a gas mixture or in a molecule that becomes decomposed wherein the chemical process reactor uses a sequence of different gas composition not all of which contain the desired gas and the desired gas is captured and recovered substantially only during the time the desired gas is in the effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: David Charles Winchester, Matthew John Bosco, Gerald W. Klein, Isaac Patrick West, Richard Linton Samsal, Douglas Paul Dee, Andrew David Johnson, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8574346
    Abstract: A thermocyclic process having a short cycle time, typically a cycle time of less 30 minutes, especially a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) process, using agglomerates that contain phase change materials (PCMs), so as to reduce the thermal effects that said thermocyclic process is subjected to during each cycle is provide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Christian Monereau, Pluton Pullumbi, Vincent Gueret
  • Patent number: 8529677
    Abstract: A carbon canister as utilized relative to underground fuel storage tank vapor recovery, including for the capture and purging of hydrocarbon vapors as air is introduced into and released from an underground storage tank, and wherein, in one form intended primarily for use in Stage II Vapor Recovery systems, the carbon canister includes a valve activated by weight of saturated carbon and wherein, in another form intended primarily for use in Stage I Vapor Recovery systems, the carbon canister is a free breathing carbon canister with a surge protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Schroeder, Darrell Vilmer, Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8496738
    Abstract: A mixed gas is separated with collection of at least one constituent gas. An inlet leads to a blower or other gas compression element through a valve. This blower feeds a chamber which contains media which selectively adsorbs the constituent gas to be collected, such as nitrogen from air. An exhaust from the chamber leads to an exhaust through a check valve. The blower can be reversed after nitrogen has been adsorbed within the chamber to desorb nitrogen and deliver nitrogen back through the blower. The inlet valve is closed after blower reversing and a separate diversion pathway is opened so that nitrogen is delivered from the blower to a nitrogen collection region. A variant system also includes an oxygen collection region on a side of the chamber opposite the blower for collection of both nitrogen and oxygen separated from air simultaneously, or collection of other constituent gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tarik Naheiri, Steve Schellhase, Javier Lopez, James Yang
  • Patent number: 8221532
    Abstract: An adsorbent having porosity expanded by contact with a first agent effecting such expansion and a pressurized second agent effecting transport of the first agent into the porosity, wherein the adsorbent subsequent to removal of the first and second agents retains expanded porosity. The adsorbent can be made by an associated method in which materials such as water, ethers, alcohols, organic solvent media, or inorganic solvent media can be utilized as the first agent for swelling of the porosity, and helium, argon, krypton, xenon, neon, or other inert gases can be employed as the pressurized second agent for transport of both agents into the porosity of the adsorbent, subsequent to which the agents can be removed to yield an adsorbent of increased capacity for sorbable fluids, e.g., organometallic compounds, hydrides, halides and acid gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: J. Donald Carruthers, Frank Dimeo, Jr., Brian Bobita
  • Patent number: 8152902
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions that can be used to adsorb low concentration, preferably, for example less than 15 ppm, of unwanted or target substances. Typically the absorbance can be from an enclosed vapor phase. Such absorbency is accomplished in a contained substantially enclosed gaseous volume or atmosphere using a composition comprising a cyclodextrin compound and a polyethylenimine that can have an absorbency capability for low concentrations of unwanted or target substances. Such absorbency can be obtained with thermoplastic materials used in the form of bulk polymer or a film, fiber, web, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, sheet, packaging and other such structures including or surrounding the enclosed volume. The adsorbent of the invention is typically used in the context of an enclosed volume, also known as an enclosed ambient vapor phase that contains the adsorbent of the invention and the unwanted or target substances at a concentration that is not desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Cellresin Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Willard E. Wood, Ronald A. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8096437
    Abstract: A disposable, segmented, sorbent, steam-permeable, cooking utensil cover for selectively covering foodstuffs in a stovetop cooking utensil, having upstanding sidewalls which terminate at a rim. The cover has sufficient wet-strength to render it rigid. The edge of the cover contacts the rim of the cooking utensil to cover contained foodstuffs and support the rigid cover. The cover is made of steam-permeable, sorbent, fire-retardant material to allow cooking steam to escape, while grease spatter and cooking juices are absorbed; and, to prevent combustion of the cover due to its proximity to the stove heating element. The cover contains a plurality of radial slits to form liftable segments hinged at the cover center to allow independent elevation of a selected segment. A flip-up handle for removing the cover and adhesive lift tabs to facilitate lifting and securing the segments are provided. Once utilized, the entire cover assembly is discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Gregory Carl Ryan
  • Patent number: 7938896
    Abstract: An air cleaner including touch points is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The air cleaner includes a chassis and one or more visually coded touch points on the chassis. The one or more visually coded touch points include indicia of user-contactable components of the air cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Paterson, Dennis T. Lamb, Bruce Kiern, Owen T. Bourgeois, Paul Moshenrose, Shane Cohen
  • Patent number: 7799120
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide storage system includes a container and a conduit attached to the container for introducing or removing a carbon dioxide-containing composition from the container. A carbon dioxide storage material is positioned within the container. The carbon dioxide-storage material includes a metal-organic framework, which has a sufficient surface area to store at least 10 carbon dioxide molecules per formula unit of the metal-organic framework at a temperature of about 25° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Omar M. Yaghi, Andrew Robert Millward
  • Patent number: 7722704
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nitrogen oxide removal equipment, a nitrogen oxide removal method, a container used for the removal of nitrogen oxide, and a method for filling the container. A nitrogen oxide removal equipment 94 according to the present invention supplies gas with the unevenness of flowing amounts eased to an absorption unit 94a via a gas rectification means 108 for supplying gas to a large-area side of solid absorbent layers, the absorption unit 94a being provided with solid absorbent layers including a plurality of low-profile solid absorbents 95 constituting the nitrogen oxide absorption means. Nitrogen oxide contained in gas effectively passes through the solid absorbent layers and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Nishi, Tadahiko Itoh, Tsutomu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7699907
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing hydrogen are provided. In one embodiment, a method of producing hydrogen comprises reacting a feed source with steam to produce a gas mixture containing hydrogen and a residue gas; introducing the gas mixture into a purification unit; adsorbing the residue gas; and discharging at least a portion of the hydrogen. The method further comprises depressurizing the purification unit; discharging at least a portion of the residue gas during the depressurization; recycling the residue gas to the feed source; and discharging the residue gas remaining in the purification unit. In another embodiment, the method includes discharging a portion of the residue gas during the depressurization such that the residue gas discharged has a higher hydrocarbon content than the secondary product remaining in the purification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignees: Air Liquide Process & Construction, Inc., L'Air Liquid, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Bhadra S. Grover, Paul Wentink
  • Patent number: 7695704
    Abstract: A process for producing borazane from boron-nitrogen and boron-nitrogen-hydrogen containing BNH-waste products. The process includes reacting the BNH-waste products with a hydrogen halide, having the formula HX, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, and combinations thereof, to form any of the following: a boron trihalide, having the formula BX3, an ammonium halide, having the formula NH4X, and hydrogen. The boron trihalide is then reacted with the hydrogen to form diborane, having the formula B2H6, and hydrogen halide. The ammonium halide is then converted to ammonia, having the formula NH3, and hydrogen halide. The diborane is then reacted with the ammonia to form borazane, having the formula BH3NH3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Albert Ludwigs Universitat Freiburg
    Inventors: Gert Wolf, Felix Baitalow, Gerhard Roewer, Steffen Hausdorf, Gerd Arnold, Ulrich Eberle, Dieter Hasenauer, Florian O. Mertens
  • Patent number: 7566358
    Abstract: A carbon canister to adsorb hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon air mixture in a UST system to prevent fugitive emissions due to overpressurization. The carbon canister has an inlet port at one end coupled to the UST system. An outlet port on the opposite end of the canister is connected to a flow-limiting orifice with a known calibrated flow rate that vents in a controlled fashion to the atmosphere. When UST pressure rises slightly above ambient pressure, fuel vapors and air from the UST system enters, via the inlet port, into the canister, where hydrocarbons are adsorbed onto the surface of the activated carbon. The cleansed air vents through the controlled flow outlet port to atmosphere, thereby preventing excessive positive pressure from occurring in the UST system. The activated carbon is purged of hydrocarbons by means of reverse air flow caused by negative UST pressures that occur during periods of ORVR vehicle refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Hart, Kent Reid
  • Patent number: 7445654
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a storage system having an adsorbtive element capable of adsorbing gas home molecules from gas for the storage system. In one configuration the storage system can include an enclosure adapted to contain a plurality of data storage drive devices and data storage media and wherein the data storage drive devices are adapted to functionally operate. The enclosure is capable of containing gas having, among other constituents, gas borne molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Spectra Logic Corporation
    Inventor: Walter Wong
  • Patent number: 7343747
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of storing a liquefied gas in a container containing a metal-organic framework material, the container filled with such a gas, a process for filling container and the use of the container to release the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignees: BASF Aktiengesellschaft, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Ulrich Müller, Michael Hesse, Hermann Pütter, Omar M. Yaghi
  • Patent number: 7005000
    Abstract: The present invention relates to air deodorizing devices for removing malodor from the air. Such devices are useful for example for storing and preserving food in closed compartments such as refrigerators. The air deodorizing device of the present invention comprises a cartridge member and an air moving member whereby the cartridge member is detachable from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Stiros, Frank Andrej Kvietok
  • Patent number: 6997975
    Abstract: A universal pan or pot lid is disclosed, absorbing and filtering steam and smell with the optional aid of a sucking fan. This lid preferably of transparent material is provided with a filter changing color when it is saturated and arranged in a burn proof ergonomic knob that can be detached from the lid flat allowing an easy cleaning and washing of all its components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Roberto Stefanoni
  • Patent number: 6986806
    Abstract: The present invention relates to air filtering devices for removing malodor and ethylene from the air. Such devices are useful for example for storing and preserving fluid in closed compartments such as refrigerators. The air filtering device of the present invention is characterized in that a first filtering member is capable of removing malodors from the air and a second filtering members capable of removing ethylene from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Frank Andrej Kvietok, Zaiyou Liu, Steven I. Paljieg, Sonia Redmon, Alessandro L. Spadini
  • Patent number: 6986807
    Abstract: The desiccant bottle cap includes a cap structure and a desiccant material adhered thereto. The desiccant bottle cap is preferably used to cover a medicine bottle so that the efficiency of the medicine disposed therein will not be impaired by moisture resulting from humid air entering the bottle. In one embodiment, the desiccant bottle cap includes a bottle cap and a desiccant packet affixed to an interior surface thereof. In another embodiment, the desiccant bottle cap includes a bottle cap, a bottle cap liner adhered to an interior surface of the bottle cap, and a desiccant packet adhered to a top surface of the desiccant liner. In yet another embodiment, loose desiccant material or a disk of desiccant material is sandwiched between a bottle cap liner and a porous material to create a bottle cap insert for removable insertion into a bottle cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: S. Fred Brunk
  • Patent number: 6840982
    Abstract: A storage device for the preservation of oxidizable materials is provided. The storage device includes a storage chamber enclosing a storage space where oxidizable materials may be placed and a differentially permeable membrane. The differentially permeable membrane allows at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough. The differentially permeable membrane is in fluid communication with the storage chamber such that the at least one selected gas is allowed to pass through the differentially permeable membrane flows into the storage chamber. An air mover, preferably a compressor, feeds gases to the differentially permeable membrane. A cooling element is provided for cooling the temperature within the storage chamber below that of the ambient temperature. The level of oxygen within the storage chamber is thus reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: American Moxie, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Kunstadt, Peter Carlson
  • Patent number: 6767521
    Abstract: A system for dehumidifying and deodorizing, the system comprising a hanging, dehumidifying and deodorizing pouch comprising a housing having a impermeable membrane and a semi-permeable securely attached to the impermeable membrane. The housing enclosing moisture-absorbent material and deodorizing material. The housing is enclosed within a jacket comprising a perforated contiguous wall; the wall defines an opening for receiving the housing. The jacket further comprises a closing member for closing the opening when the housing is within the jacket. The jacket can comprise a rigid, rectangular cage having a detachable lid. The semi-permeable membrane of the housing can comprise polyethylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, individually or a combination thereof. The impermeable can comprise either polyethylene film or polypropylene film. The moisture-absorbent material can comprise a hygroscopic, deliquescent or a combination of a hygroscopic deliquescent and a gel forming polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: W.M. Barr & Company
    Inventors: Fred K. Vogt, Surendra Kumar Mishra, David Prince Heaner
  • Patent number: 6699309
    Abstract: A delivery system for carbon dioxide absorption material includes a container for the storage of carbon dioxide absorption material, and a receptacle capable of receiving carbon dioxide absorption materials. The receptacle has a contact limiting membrane that substantially prohibits the passage of particulate matter from the carbon dioxide absorption material and allows the passage of gases therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James T. Worthington, II, Mark J. Koenig, Clifford N. Dodson, Rodney D. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6468332
    Abstract: A one-way degassing valve (4) for containers of aromatic products such as coffee and the like, comprising a valve body (5, 6), a valve element (12) and a filter (17), comprising a selective filter layer (21a), preferably consisting of activated charcoal, which allows the passage of low molecular weight gases, such as carbon dioxide, and retains high molecular weight gases that constitute the product's aroma, and an oxygen and CO2 adsorbing layer (21b), able to eliminate the residual oxygen present in the container and suitably reduce the amount of CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Goglio Liugi Milano S.p.A.
    Inventors: Franco Goglio, Osvaldo Bosetti, Giorgio Bottini
  • Patent number: 6334888
    Abstract: A lid with a housing suited for receiving a filter for absorbing odors and fats given off during cooking, and having inlets and outlets communicating externally, the housing has an opening emerging on the side of the lid, and the filter is mounted retractable and sealed through said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Laboratories Serobiologiques (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Guy Collas, Jean Lereverend
  • Patent number: 5624478
    Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a consumer with an inexpensive and reliable device for controlling ethylene gas for plantstuffs. The device is a sealed, air tight package which contains a gas permeable envelope containing ethylene absorbing chemicals. A consumer peels a seal off of the airtight packaging thereby allowing the chemical reagents to be exposed to the atmosphere within the container in which the ethylene producer is situated. Only upon initial activation by the consumer does the reaction take place. The system is simple, reliable, inexpensive and disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventors: Edward Patapanian, Cheryl Rieves