The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 20, 2010
Filed:
May. 02, 2007
Jennifer Gruber, Stillwater, MN (US);
Jennifer Gruber, Stillwater, MN (US);
Inspired Technologies, Inc., Le Sueur, MN (US);
Abstract
A funnel with a shut-off valve terminates the flow of fluid from a reservoir to a spout passageway upon activation of the shut-off valve. The flow of fluid is terminated when a float contacts a seal mounted within the spout passageway. An upper magnet is mounted above the seal and a lower magnet is attached to the float, a portion of which extends over the lower magnet. In the open position, the force provided between the magnets serves to provide lift to the float. When the fluid level in the container rises, additional lift is provided until the lower magnet comes sufficiently within the range of the upper magnet causing the lower magnet to be drawn to the upper magnet. The force between the magnets is sufficient to provide compression of the seal by the float. A ball joint is provided between a control rod and the float to correct misalignment between the float and the seal. A significant portion of the float extends beyond the lower end of the spout passageway to reduce the influence of forces on the float. In addition, flanges are provided at the lower end of the float to direct fluid away from the float preventing premature closing of the valve.