George M Wasserman

US Patent:

40316882, Jun 28, 1977

Filed:

Sep 4, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/610128

Inventors:

George J. Wasserman - Brookline MA

International Classification:

B65B 3108

US Classification:

53 7

Abstract:

A technique for controlling the pressure in a closed, sealed article, such as a tennis ball or the like. A needle having a sharp, forward, outer end adapted to puncture the article includes a passage in its rear end which terminates in a flow orifice which opens through the side of the needle, between the ends of the needle. Means are provided at the outer end of the needle to carry a resilient sealing plug. The needle may be attached to a syringe or other appropriate means for injecting or withdrawing air from the article. The article is punctured by the plug-carrying needle which is inserted to expose the flow orifice interiorly of the article and to locate the plug within the article. Air is introduced or withdrawn from the article as desired. When the desired pressure level is reached, the needle is withdrawn.

US Patent:

41809602, Jan 1, 1980

Filed:

Mar 5, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/664373

Inventors:

George Wasserman - Brookline MA
Joseph J. Bushee - Waltham MA

International Classification:

B65B 3108

US Classification:

53403

Abstract:

A needle attached to a valve construction is employed to cut a core from the wall of a tennis ball. A bore in the needle tip receives the core and carries it into the interior of the ball as the needle is inserted until an orifice in the side of the needle is within the ball. Gas is released from an aerosol container into a chamber within the valve construction and then into the ball through the needle orifice. A piston is disposed in the chamber and a helical spring exerts a bias force on the piston normally urging the piston toward the needle and permitting gas flow to the needle. When the pressure within the ball reaches a preselected level the piston moves away from the needle and activates a valve which shuts off the flow of gas. An indicator button external to the valve housing moves with the piston to indicate that the preselected pressure has been reached. The needle is then withdrawn from the ball leaving the core to reseal the hole.