Ecological funnel
US5515892A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 1995 |
| Grant date | May 14, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67C2011/30
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A funnel (20) for use in dumping volatile solvents into an underlying carboy (16) is ecologically friendly in that it blocks solvent from evaporating from the carboy into the atmosphere. The funnel has (a) an extended stem (22), the bottom open end of which is below the surface of the solvent (18) in the carboy to reduce surface evaporation, (b) an occluder or obturating ball (24) in the throat of the funnel to block evaporation through the stem of the funnel, and (c) a lid (28) on the funnel to block evaporation. The ball may be float operated, with or without a captivating cage (26), or it may be operated by lifting the lid, which may be performed manually or via a foot pedal (38).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.