Apparatus for supplying fluid from fluid source to container

Abstract

An apparatus for supplying fluid from a fluid source to a container is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dispensing head configured to be removably secured to an outer surface of a container. The apparatus is configured to cover at least one port defined in a wall of the container. The dispensing head defines a cavity in fluid communication with the at least one port and is configured to receive and supply the fluid from the fluid source. The apparatus includes a coupling mechanism adapted to removably secure the dispensing head on the outer surface of the container. The mechanism includes an elongate support member adapted to adjustably receive the dispensing head. Further, both ends of the elongated support member are provided with couplers. The coupler is configured to hold a dispensing head against the at least one port together with the elongate support member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of pest control systems. Specifically, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and system for supplying a fluid. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and system for supplying a fluid to a container carrying goods. Background Art

[0002] The information disclosed in this background art is only for enhancing the understanding of the general background of the present invention and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes the prior art known to those skilled in the art. The background art will be explained below with an exemplary scenario involving the fumigation of a container.

[0003] The transportation of materials and goods is an important process in commerce. Such transportation requires high efficiency to minimize the impact on manpower, time, and cost. A common solution for long-distance transportation is the use of cargo containers. The containerization of goods has transformed the transportation industry by increasing efficiency through the creation of standardized shipping containers designed to move via all major modes of transportation (including cargo ships, trucks, and railroad cars). Due to the increased efficiency and improvements in the design of refrigerated shipping containers, a wide variety of products are now transported around the world. With the increased availability of various products, including perishable items, the risk of transporting harmful pests along with the shipped goods also increases. Exotic pests / insects / microorganisms can often damage the goods. Therefore, it is necessary to sterilize / disinfect the containers during and after transportation. There are conventional techniques for sterilizing or disinfecting containers. Available techniques include manually spraying a sterilizing / disinfecting fluid into the container. The fluid can be a chemical agent, including a fumigant for fumigating the container. However, such conventional techniques have numerous drawbacks and also require human involvement and are time-consuming.

[0004] Fumigation prior to transportation is a common practice. It is preferred to fumigate stored agricultural products and other goods to prevent losses caused by pests. Generally, fumigation is achieved by directly introducing a fumigant in the form of granules, tablets, bags, or trays into the container to be fumigated. The fumigant reacts with the ambient moisture in the agricultural products and / or goods, resulting in the generation of gas [i.e., released from the fumigant].

[0005] Fumigation processes for bulk materials, agricultural products, and finished goods, and for the shipping containers themselves, are known in the art. These processes involve placing a heavy, impermeable blanket or other covering over the material to be fumigated, and then subsequently adding a stream of toxic gas under the blanket to fumigate the covered cargo. Current equipment and methods for underblanket fumigation are relatively crude and inefficient at completely eliminating insect infestations because gas distribution may not be uniform for effective pest control. Subsequent atmospheric emissions of the fumigation gas (e.g., methyl bromide) are highly undesirable because such gases deplete the ozone. This can pose a hazard during subsequent occupational exposure to these goods if adequate ventilation is not provided. In addition to the above, handling and operating conventional fumigation equipment for fumigating containers presents significant challenges to the operator. Accordingly, there is a need for an efficient system for fumigating shipping containers.

[0006] Due to the numerous drawbacks of conventional fumigation processes using blankets, other conventional systems and / or methods have been developed. One such method for fumigating agricultural products involves a vented container in which the product is stored. The vented containers are stacked in a special fumigation chamber of a fumigation facility and the product is fumigated with a gaseous fumigant. The containers are then transported from the fumigation facility to a cold storage or a packing plant. Other conventional setups involve using bags or sachets pre-packaged with a fumigant solid that releases the fumigant when removed from its shipping container and exposed to the atmosphere. These sachets are manually inserted into the container in a consistent manner after the storage room is filled. Conventional methods are very laborious, time-consuming, and may not be safe. The currently used fumigants leave residues in the container that must be removed at the destination.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to overcome one or more of the above limitations or any other limitations associated with conventional systems.

[0008] The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the general background of the present invention and should not be taken as an admission or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One or more disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the disclosed systems and methods, and additional advantages are provided by the devices and systems described in this disclosure.

[0010] Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the present disclosure.

[0011] In a non - limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for supplying fluid from a fluid source to a container is disclosed. The apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a dispensing head configured to removably secure to an outer surface of the container. The dispensing head defines a cavity in fluid communication with at least one port and is configured to receive fluid from the fluid source and supply the fluid to the container. The apparatus further includes a coupling mechanism adapted to removably secure the dispensing head to the outer surface of the container. The coupling mechanism includes an elongate support member adapted to adjustably receive the dispensing head. Further, couplings are provided at both ends of the elongate support member. The couplings, together with the elongate support member, hold the dispensing head against the at least one port.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling is at least one of a magnetic coupling and a suction coupling.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispensing head is adjustably fixed to the elongate support member at a substantially central portion. Further, the elongate support member defines slots on both sides of the dispensing head. The couplings are received by the slots defined in the elongate support member.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling defines a collar. The collar defined on each of the couplings is configured to receive a first adjuster. The collar is defined on each of the couplings and is receivable by the slot defined in the elongate support member. Each of the couplings is movable within the slot and is configured to be locked in a predefined position by the first adjuster.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispensing head is adjustably fixed to the elongate support member by one or more second adjusters. The one or more second adjusters are configured to adjust at least one of a position and a height of the dispensing head relative to the elongate support member.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a sealing member is provided along a perimeter of the dispensing head on a side that can be fixed to the at least one port.

[0017] In another non - limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for supplying fluid to a container is disclosed. The system includes a fluid source configured to supply fluid. The system further includes a device that is in fluid communication with the fluid source and is adapted to receive fluid from the fluid source and supply the fluid to the container. The device includes a dispensing head configured to removably fix to an outer surface of the container. The dispensing head defines a cavity in fluid communication with at least one port and is configured to receive fluid from the fluid source and supply the fluid to the container. The device further includes a coupling mechanism adapted to removably fix the dispensing head on the outer surface of the container. The coupling mechanism includes an elongate support member adapted to adjustably receive the dispensing head. Further, couplings are provided at both ends of the elongate support member. The couplings, together with the elongate support member, hold the dispensing head against the at least one port.

[0018] It should be understood that the above aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments can be combined together to form further embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] The foregoing summary is merely illustrative and not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the above - described illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The novel features and characteristics of the present disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. However, the present disclosure itself, its preferred modes of use, further objectives, and advantages will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent the same elements, and in which:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a container and a system for supplying fluid to the container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 Shown is Figure 1 a side view of the container and the system for supplying fluid to the container.

[0023] Figure 3 Shown is a top view of a device used in the system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in Figure 1 the system.

[0024] Figure 4 Shown is Figure 3 a bottom view of the device.

[0025] Figure 5 shows the front view of the device Figure 3 .

[0026] The accompanying drawings depict embodiments of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the units shown herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present disclosure described herein. Detailed Description

[0027] Although the embodiments in the present disclosure may have various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] It should be noted that those skilled in the art will be inspired by the content of the present disclosure and modify various features of the bumper assembly for a vehicle without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the accompanying drawings only show those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein. In addition, the components of the present disclosure can be used in any kind of vehicle, including commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, etc. However, for simplicity, the vehicle or the complete vehicle frame supporting the internal combustion engine, and the exhaust aftertreatment unit of the vehicle are not shown in the accompanying drawings of the present disclosure.

[0029] The term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system including a series of components includes not only those components but also other components not explicitly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, without further limitation, the presence of one or more elements in a device or system preceded by "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of other elements or additional elements in the system. Further, approximate terms such as "substantially" when used in the present disclosure to refer to physical characteristics should be understood to contemplate a range of deviations that would be understood by those skilled in the art to operate satisfactorily for the corresponding use, function, purpose, etc. The term "substantially" is a commonly used descriptive term in the present disclosure to avoid strict numerical boundaries for the specified parameters. The term "substantially" should be read together with terms such as "perpendicular", "center", "circular", "along the radius", "vertical", "conform to", etc.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure describe an apparatus for supplying fluid from a fluid source to a container. The apparatus includes a dispensing head configured to removably secure to an outer surface of the container and cover at least one port defined in a wall of the container. The dispensing head defines a cavity in fluid communication with the at least one port and may be configured to receive fluid from the fluid source and support the fluid to the container. The apparatus includes a coupling mechanism that may be adapted to removably secure the dispensing head to the outer surface of the container. The construction of the apparatus will be described in detail in the following embodiments.

[0031] In the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following description should not be considered restrictive.

[0032] The following paragraphs refer to Figures 1 to 5 to describe the present disclosure. In the drawings, like elements or elements having similar functions are denoted by like reference numerals. Generally referring to the drawings, a system for supplying fluid to a container is identified by reference numeral 200. The system (200) includes an apparatus for supplying fluid from a fluid source to a container and is generally identified by reference numeral 100. The apparatus (100) is capable of receiving fluid from a fluid source (202) and supplying the fluid to a container (300). The system (200) and apparatus (100) for receiving and supplying fluid will be described in more detail below. For simplicity, only certain features of the system (200), particularly the apparatus (100), are depicted in the drawings.

[0033] The following will explain the system (200) and apparatus (100) for supplying fluid from a fluid source (200) to a container (300) according to the present disclosure using a preferred embodiment of fumigating a chemical formulation onto a commodity (such as but not limited to agricultural products). Commodities include but are not limited to: fruits, including pomes, apples, citrus, blueberries, etc.; grains, including wheat, barley, rice, etc.; commodities, including wood; and vegetables, including potatoes, beans, etc. Although specific commodities are mentioned above, they should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. The term "commodity" includes other goods used in commerce and those goods that can be transported using a container (300). In addition, the use of the system (200) and apparatus (100) for supplying fluid should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0034] With reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a system (200) for supplying fluid to a container (300) is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system (200) is adapted to fumigate a container (300) [also known as a shipping container and alternatively used]. The shipping container (300) is typically rectangular and has a standard length of 20', 40' or 45'. In one embodiment, the shipping container (300) is constructed around a frame [not shown].

[0035] The shipping container (300) is formed by a plurality of reinforced panel members that provide a bottom or floor that defines the base of the container. In one embodiment, the bottom or floor of the container (300) is provided with support feet or skids at its corners. The container (300) further includes opposing side panel members, separate top wall panel members, and end wall panel members. The opposing side panel members and end wall panel members extend upward from the base of the container (300). At least one end wall panel of the container (300) is configured as a door for accessing the storage compartment of the container (300). The door is a single-wing door or a double-wing door. In one embodiment, the door is equipped with a rubber gasket to provide a seal between the door and the threshold, corner posts, and lintel. Sealing members are further applied to prevent leakage between the base, opposing side panel members, top wall panel members, and end wall panel members. In one embodiment, the opposing side panels, end walls, and top panels are corrugated to increase the rigidity of the container (300).

[0036] The container (300) defines a port (302). The term "port" as used herein before and after refers to a through-opening or orifice defined on the container for fluid to pass through or escape. In one embodiment, the port (302) is defined at the top side of the opposing side panel members, as is Figure 2 apparent. The port (302) prevents pressure build-up in the case of an increase in temperature or release of gaseous compounds during transportation, and provides ventilation to prevent water condensation. The port (302) is also used to direct fluid into the container (300). According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid is a fumigant for fumigating the goods stored in the container (300). In the following embodiments, the system (200) for fumigating the container (300) will be elaborated in detail.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, use is made of such as Figure 2 and 3The system (200) depicted fumigates a container (300) carrying commodities. The term "fumigant" as used above and hereinafter refers to a chemical that can exist in a gaseous state at a sufficient concentration at the desired temperature and pressure to be lethal to a given pest or organism. In one embodiment, the fumigant is a liquid in its packaging, which then converts to a gas upon release, while some other fumigants remain as gases during formulation, packaging, and release. Other fumigants contain volatile liquids when enclosed in a container and are thus not formulated under pressure. Some other fumigants contain solids that release gases when applied under conditions of high humidity or in the presence of water vapor. The fumigants used to fumigate the container (300) are, but not limited to, at least one of the following: methyl bromide, 1,3-dichloropropene, dazomet, or methyl isothiocyanate, chloropicrin, dibromochloropropane [DBCP], formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, iodoform, methyl isocyanate, phosphine, sulfuryl fluoride, sulfur dioxide, aluminum phosphide, magnesium phosphide, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide, dibromoethane, dichloroethane, acrylonitrile, dichloronitroethane, chlorobromoethane, dichloromethane, ethylene oxide, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), dichlorvos, etc. The fumigants are used to fumigate the shipping container (300). The terms fumigating and / or fumigation as used above and hereinafter in this disclosure refer to the process by which a fumigant can exist in a gaseous state at a specific temperature and pressure to use chemical fumes to kill pests / fatal microorganisms.

[0038] The system (200) of the present disclosure includes a fluid source (202). The fluid source (202) is configured to contain a fumigant and supply the fumigant to a container (300) via a device (100). Thus, the fluid source (202) will also be referred to hereinafter as the fumigant source (202). The fluid source (202) is configured to contain various fluids, and the fumigant is one such fluid. The fluid source (202) is configured to generate a fumigant. For example, the fluid source (202) is a phosphine gas generator configured to generate phosphine gas by mixing a metal phosphide and water. The mixture of the metal phosphide and water is agitated and diluted with air to generate phosphine gas, and the phosphine gas is used to fumigate the container (300). Although the phosphine gas generator is described above, it should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. Similar generators are used to produce hydrogen cyanide gas, chloropicrin gas, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the phosphine gas generator includes a reactor configured to receive a fumigant and a liquid reservoir adapted to receive a liquid such as water. The phosphine gas generator further includes a stirring air compressor for supplying stirring air to the reactor, a blowing unit for providing dilution air, a heater, a control unit, and an outlet port. Although some features of the phosphine gas producer are described above, they are merely exemplary and should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. The features or components of the fluid source (202) work together to generate a fumigant gas for fumigating the container (300). The fumigant gas generated by the fluid source (202) is supplied to the container (300) through the device (100) of the present disclosure. The fluid source (202) is fluidly connected to the device (100) through a fluid supply member (204) such as, but not limited to, a hose. One end of the hose (204) is connected to an outlet port [not shown] of the fluid source (202), and the other end of the hose (204) is connected to an inlet port (108) of the device (100). The following paragraphs are combined with Figures 3 to 5 to describe the device (100).

[0039] The device (100) of the present disclosure is configured to supply a fluid from a fluid source (202) to a container (300). In one embodiment, the device (100) is configured to supply a fumigant from a fumigant source (202) [i.e., the fluid source] to the container. The device (100) includes a distribution head (102). In one embodiment, the distribution head (102) is a one-piece structure. In some embodiments, the distribution head (102) is formed using one or more parts. The shape of the distribution head (102) is circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal / octagonal, or irregular. The shape of the distribution head (102) corresponds to the shape of a port (302) defined on the container (300). As an example, the shape of the distribution head (102) is substantially rectangular.

[0040] The dispensing head (102) includes a base member (102a) and a sidewall structure (102b, 102c, 102d, 102e) that extends substantially perpendicular to the base member (102a) and defines a cavity (106) therebetween [Reference Figure 4 . The sidewall structure (102b, 102c, 102d, 102e) includes first and second main sidewalls (102b and 102d) and first and second sub - sidewalls (102c and 102e). The first and second main sidewalls (102b and 102d) and the first sub - sidewalls (102c and 102e) are mentioned in the context of the dimensions of the sidewalls of the rectangular - shaped dispensing head (102) and should not, therefore, be construed as limiting. Each sidewall (102b, 102c, 102d, and 102e) engages with another sidewall, defining a corner. In some cases, the corners connecting the base member (102a) and the sidewall structure (102b, 102c, 102d, 102e) are rounded or define rounded corners. In a preferred embodiment, the sidewall structure (102b, 102c, 102d, and 102e) and the base member (102a) are of one - piece construction. In other embodiments, the sidewall structure (102b, 102c, 102d, and 102e) and the base member (102a) are joined in a mechanical or thermal manner, including but not limited to separate crimping or seam - welding. The dispensing head (102) of the above construction defines an open end that is opposite to the end of the dispensing head (102) having the base member (102a). The perimeter of the open end of the dispensing head (102) is adapted to receive a sealing member (110) [Reference Figure 4 . The term "sealing member" refers to a device that joins a system or mechanism together by preventing leakage, controlling pressure, or excluding contamination. The sealing member (110) is at least one of a gasket, a bellows seal, or other suitable sealing members. In some embodiments, the sealing member (110) is made of (but not limited to) at least one of rubber or plastic. In one embodiment, the open end defines a planar flange [not shown] that extends perpendicularly outward from the perimeter of the sidewall structure (102b, 102c, 102d, 102e). The planar flange is adapted to receive and support the sealing member (110). The sealing member (110) disposed along the perimeter of the dispensing head (102) ensures that there is no gas leakage when the dispensing head (102) is mounted on the outer surface of a container (102), covering at least one port (302). Further, the dispensing head (102) defines an inlet port (110), as described earlier in this disclosure. The inlet port (110) is defined in at least one sidewall of the sidewall structure (102b, 102c, 102d, 102e). The inlet port (110) is adapted to receive the other end of a hose (204) that carries a fumigant from a fumigant source (202).

[0041] The dispensing head (102) configured as described above is removably fixed to the outer surface of the container (300). In one embodiment, a coupling mechanism (104) is provided together with the dispensing head (102) to removably fix the dispensing head (102) on the outer surface of the container (300). The term "mechanism" refers to an assembly of parts that performs a complete functional movement, typically part of a linkage system, or the structural parts or arrangement of the parts of a device, or anything similar. The dispensing head (102) is removably fixed to the outer surface of the container (300) such that the cavity (106) of the dispensing head (102) is in fluid communication with at least one port (302) as Figure 2 depicted. The perimeter of the open end of the dispensing head (102) abuts the boundary of at least one port (302). The cavity (106) is configured to receive a fumigant from a fumigant source (202) through a hose (204) connected to an inlet port (108). The fumigant is then supplied into the container (300) through at least one port (106) for fumigation. A sealing member (110) provided on the perimeter of the dispensing head (102) ensures that the fumigant passing through the dispensing head (102) into the container (300) does not leak. The coupling mechanism (104) adapted to fix the dispensing head (102) to the outer surface of the container (300) is set forth in the following paragraphs.

[0042] The coupling mechanism (104) includes an elongate member (104a). The elongate support member (104) [also referred to as the elongate member and may be used interchangeably hereinafter] has a longitudinal axis (X-X) and extends in a longitudinal length and width, these dimensions providing a generally rectangular shape [reference Figure 3 . Further, the elongate member (104) includes a planar or flat configuration defining a depth or thickness. As Figure 3 shown, the elongate member (104) is defined with slots near both ends of the elongate member (104). The slots defined in the elongate member (104) extend along the longitudinal axis (X-X) for a predefined length. In one embodiment, the elongate member (104) further includes a transverse member (104c). The transverse member (104c) is disposed at a substantially central portion of the elongate member (104a) and extends in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (X-X). In one embodiment, the transverse member (104c) is integrally defined on the elongate member (104). In another embodiment, the transverse member (104c) is positioned on the central portion of the elongate member (104a) and joined by known mechanical or thermal joining processes.

[0043] The elongated support member (104a) is configured to adjustably receive the dispensing head (102) of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the dispensing head (102) is fixed to the elongated member (104a) at a substantially central portion. One or more second adjusters (206b) are used to adjustably fix the dispensing head (102) to the elongated support member (104a). In one embodiment, the one or more second adjusters (206b) are received by a cross member (104c) defined on the elongated support member (104a). The dispensing head (102) is adjustably fixed to the cross member (104c). The one or more second adjusters (206) are set screws, but are not limited thereto. The one or more second adjusters may be received by a collar [not shown] defined on the dispensing head (102). Using the one or more second adjusters (206b), at least one of the position and height of the dispensing head (102) is adjusted. That is, the one or more second adjusters (206) can be unscrewed / loosened to move the dispensing head (102) toward or away from the elongated member (104a). Similarly, when the one or more second adjusters (206b) are loosened, the dispensing head (102) can be displaced in the vertical direction relative to the longitudinal axis (X-X). Once the desired height and position relative to the elongated member (104a) are reached, the one or more second adjusters (206b) are tightened to fix the dispensing head (102) relative to the elongated member (104a). Adjusting at least one of the height or position of the dispensing head (102) enables the dispensing head (102) to be properly positioned relative to at least one port (302).

[0044] The coupling mechanism (104) further includes a coupler (104b) [as Figures 2 to 4 shown]. The coupler (104b) is selected from magnetic couplers and suction couplers, but is not limited thereto. According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupler (104b) is a magnetic coupler. In one embodiment, the magnetic coupler (104b) is made of a strong magnet including a neodymium magnet, a samarium cobalt magnet, etc., but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the magnetic coupler (104b) is an electromagnet. The coupler (104b) is provided at both ends of the elongated support member (104a), i.e., on both sides of the dispensing head (102). The coupler (104b) can be received by a slot defined in the elongated support member (104a). The coupler (104b) can move within the slot defined in the elongated member (104b). The coupler (104b) can use the first adjuster (206a) [see Figure 5is movably fixed to the elongate support member (104a). In one embodiment, the coupler (104b) defines a collar (104cl) that is configured to receive the first adjuster (206a). The term "collar" herein refers to a protrusion that extends perpendicularly from the surface of the coupler (104b). The collar (104cl) is inserted into the slot and the first adjuster (206a) is tightened onto the collar (104cl) to fix the coupler (104b) within the slot. Although the collar is defined, the collar should not be construed as a limitation on the present disclosure, and other means for receiving the first adjuster (206a) may be provided. In one embodiment, the collar (104cl) may be integral with the coupler (104b). In another embodiment, the collar (104cl) may be connected to the coupler by at least one of mechanical and / or thermal joining processes. The first adjuster (206a) can be operated to adjust the position of the coupler (104b) within the slot. For example, the first adjuster (206a) can be loosened from the coupler (104b) to allow the coupler to shift within the slot, i.e., toward or away from the dispensing head (102). Once a predefined position is reached, the coupler (104b) is locked in that position by tightening the first adjuster (206a). The provision of the movable coupler (104b) improves the feasibility of mounting the dispensing head (102) on the container (300). In one embodiment, the coupler (104b) is integrated with the dispensing head (102), thereby eliminating the need for the elongate support member (104a). For example, the dispensing head (102) is magnetized and can be directly mounted on the outer surface of the container (300). The couplers (104b) provided on both sides of the dispensing head (102) together with the elongate member (104a) are used to hold the dispensing head (102) against / covering at least one port (302).

[0045] In operation, for fumigating the container (300), the dispensing head (202) is mounted on the outer surface of the container (300), covering at least one port (302). Using the coupler mechanism (104), the dispensing head (202) is fixedly held to the outer surface of the container (300). Further, the device (100) is fluidly connected to the fumigant source (202) via a hose (204). The fumigant gas generated by the fluid source (202) is supplied to the container (300) through the device (100). The device (100) receives the fumigant gas from the fumigant source (202) and directs the fumigant gas into the container (300) through at least one port (302).

[0046] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device (100) of the present disclosure is adapted to cooperate with any port on any transport container (300). The coupling mechanism (104) is provided such that the dispensing head (302) of the device can be easily held onto the outer surface of the container (300) and the dispensing head can be easily removed.

[0047] Equivalents:

[0048] For the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art can convert the plural to the singular and / or the singular to the plural according to the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural permutations may be explicitly set forth herein.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that, generally speaking, the terms used herein and especially the terms in the appended claims (e.g., the subject matter of the appended claims) are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if the intention is to introduce a specific number of recited claims, such intention will be expressly recited in the claims, and in the absence of such recitation, there is no such intention. For example, for the sake of understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be understood as implying that the introduction of a claim recitation by the numeral "one" (the indefinite article "a" or "an") limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to an invention containing only one such recitation, even if the same claim includes the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" as well as a numeral such as "one" (an indefinite article such as "a" or "an") (e.g., "one" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"); the same is true for the use of pronouns (definite articles) to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if the specific number of the introduced claim recitation is expressly recited, those skilled in the art will also recognize that such recitation should generally be interpreted as meaning at least the recited number (e.g., a bare recitation of "two recitations" without any other modifiers generally means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). In addition, in these cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally speaking, such a structure is intended to mean that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but not be limited to, a system having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In these cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, generally speaking, such a structure is intended to mean that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" will include, but not be limited to, a system having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that, in fact, whether in the specification, the claims, or the drawings, any disjunctive and / or phrase that states two or more alternative terms should be understood as envisioning the possibility of including one of the terms, any one of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0050] In addition, when features or aspects of the present disclosure are described in terms of a Markush group, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any single member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0051] Although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting, and the true scope and spirit are indicated by the appended claims.

[0052] List of reference numerals:

[0053] Device 100 Distribution head 102 Base member 102a Sidewall structure 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e Coupling mechanism 104 Elongated support member 104a Coupler 104b Slot 104bs Cross member 104c Ferrule 104cl Cavity 106 Inlet 108 Sealing member 110 System 200 Fluid source 202 Fluid supply member 204 First regulator 206a Second regulator 206b Container 300 Port 302

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for supplying fluid from a fluid source (202) to a container (300), the apparatus (100) comprising: A dispensing head (102) configured to removably secure to an outer surface of the container (300) and cover at least one port (302) defined in a wall of the container (300), the dispensing head (102) defining a cavity (106) in fluid communication with the at least one port (302) and configured to receive fluid from the fluid source (202) and supply the fluid to the container (303); And A coupling mechanism (104) adapted to removably secure the dispensing head (102) to the outer surface of the container (300), the coupling mechanism (104) comprising: An elongate support member (104a) adapted to adjustably receive the dispensing head (102); And Couplers (104b) provided at opposite ends of the elongate support member (104a), wherein the couplers (104b) together with the elongate support member (104a) hold the dispensing head (102) against the at least one port (302).

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the coupler (104b) is selected from a magnetic coupler and a suction coupler.

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing head (102) is adjustably secured to the elongate support member (104a) at a substantially central portion.

4. The apparatus (100) according to claims 1 and 3, wherein the elongate support member (104a) defines a slot (104bs) to receive the coupler (104b).

5. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one coupler (104b) is adapted to move relative to the slot (104bs) defined in the elongate support member (104a) and is configured to be locked in a predefined position by a first adjuster (206a).

6. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing head (102) defines an inlet port (108) connectable to an outlet of the fluid source (202).

7. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing head (102) is adjustably secured to the elongate support member (104a) by one or more second adjusters (206b).

8. The apparatus (100) according to claim 7, wherein the one or more second adjusters (206b) are configured to adjust at least one of a position and a height of the dispensing head (102) relative to the elongate support member (104a).

9. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, comprising a sealing member (110) provided along a perimeter of the dispensing head (102) on a side covering the at least one port (302).

10. A system (200) for supplying fluid to a container (300), the system (200) comprising: A fluid source (202) configured to supply fluid; An apparatus (100) in fluid communication with the fluid source (202) and adapted to receive fluid from the fluid source (202) and supply the fluid to the container (300), the apparatus (100) comprising: A dispensing head (102) configured to removably secure to an outer surface of the container (300) and cover at least one port (302) defined in a wall of the container (300), the dispensing head (102) defining a cavity (106) in fluid communication with the at least one port (106) and configured to receive the fluid from the fluid source (202) and supply the fluid to the container (303); and A coupling mechanism (104) adapted to removably secure the dispensing head (102) to the outer surface of the container (300), the coupling mechanism (104) comprising: An elongate support member (104a) adapted to adjustably receive the dispensing head (102); and A coupler (104b) disposed at opposite ends of the elongate support member (104a), wherein at least one coupler (104b) is configured to hold the dispensing head (102) against the at least one port (302) together with the elongate support member (104a).

11. The system (200) according to claim 10, comprising a fluid supply member (204) that fluidly connects an inlet (108) of the dispensing head (102) to an outlet of the fluid source (202).

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