MATERIAL TRANSFER SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A device for transferring fluid into a duct, the device comprising a receptacle adapted to direct the fluid through a receptacle outlet into the duct, and duct support means for operatively holding the duct in place relative to the receptacle, wherein the duct support means are adapted to be deflected longitudinally and radially outward by the duct as the duct is operatively connected to the device and exert a radially inward force against the duct.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention discloses a device for transferring fluids to a duct (such as pipe, tubing or a container spout) that may have a size and configuration that are adapted to be variable within a predetermined range. Thus, the device may act as a funnel that can be connected to containers having spouts with a variety of different sizes and thread designs. The device generally comprises a fluid directing member (such as a funnel) and a duct support assembly that is deflected radially outward from the duct and exerts a force radially inward against the duct, which assists in holding the duct in place relative to the device. The device may also have a modular feature that allows interchangeable duct support assemblies and/or a flow control mechanism to regulate the flow of fluid into the duct. The invention also includes certain kits and methods of using the device.
7 Citations
23 Claims
- 1. A device for transferring fluid into a duct, the device comprising a receptacle adapted to direct the fluid through a receptacle outlet into the duct, and duct support means for operatively holding the duct in place relative to the receptacle, wherein the duct support means are adapted to be deflected longitudinally and radially outward by the duct as the duct is operatively connected to the device and exert a radially inward force against the duct.
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6. A device for transferring fluid to a duct comprising a duct open end adapted to receive the fluid, the device comprising:
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(a) a receptacle having a receptacle outlet, wherein the fluid is adapted to be directed through the receptacle outlet into the duct; and (b) a plurality of duct support members extending from the receptacle and adapted to operatively hold the duct in place relative to the receptacle; (c) wherein the duct support members are adapted to deflect radially outward from the duct and exert a radially inward force against the duct. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A device for transferring fluid into a duct, the device comprising:
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(a) fluid directing means adapted to receive the fluid and direct the fluid into the duct, and (b) a duct support assembly for operatively holding the duct in place relative to the fluid directing means; (c) wherein a portion of the duct support assembly is adapted to be deflected radially outward by the duct and exert a radially inward force against the duct. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A device for transferring a fluid to a duct having a duct open end adapted to receive the fluid, wherein the duct is adapted to have a variety of different sizes and characteristics within a predetermined range, the device comprising:
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(a) a receptacle adapted to receive the fluid and direct the fluid through a receptacle outlet into the duct open end; (b) a shell member extending from the receptacle; (c) a duct support assembly positioned adjacent to the shell member and adapted to operatively connect the duct to the device; (d) wherein the duct support assembly is adapted to exert a radially inward force against the duct for ducts having a size and characteristics within the predetermined range. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification