Patents Examined by Paul R Durand
  • Patent number: 11618665
    Abstract: A beverage-dispensing appliance may include a cabinet, a liquid line, a liquid level sensor, and a signal shield. The cabinet may define a mutually-orthogonal vertical direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction. The cabinet may define a dispenser recess. The liquid line may be mounted to the cabinet and define a liquid outlet above the dispenser recess. The liquid level sensor may be mounted to the cabinet and directed at the dispenser recess. The signal shield may be movably mounted to the cabinet. The signal shield may be movable between a blocking position and a permissive position. The blocking position may laterally bound at least a portion of the dispenser recess. The permissive position may be transversely spaced apart from the dispenser recess to permit lateral access thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Danister Abeygunawardana, Jianwu Li, Gregory Scott Carr, Brent Alden Junge, Timothy Ray Jackson, Jordan Andrew Waymeyer, Michael C. Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11613420
    Abstract: The tumbler bottle includes a cup having a side wall interior surface and bottom wall a convex interior surface. The cup side wall and bottom wall interior surfaces are joined by a smooth, arcuate interior transition surface to define a first mixing chamber. The tumbler bottle further includes a lid, removably connected with the cup. The lid includes a side wall interior surface and a top wall concave interior surface. The lid side wall and top wall interior surfaces are joined by a smooth, arcuate interior transition surface to define a second mixing chamber. The lid further includes a dispensing outlet and a closure. When coupled together the first mixing chamber and the second mixing chamber are in fluid communication and are configured to uniformly mix a liquid with one or more additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Richard Beardsell
  • Patent number: 11608214
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for emptying tubes. The device has at least one first and one second tooth roller, a housing, and an electric motor. The housing has at least one opening in the region of the two tooth rollers, the first tooth roller is arranged within the housing above the second tooth roller. The first tooth roller is freely rotatable, and the second tooth roller is driven by the electric motor. The two tooth rollers are in this case arranged one above the other such that a tube that is passed through the opening and between the two tube rollers with the tube fold at the front is drawn in by the rollers and the tube content can be pressed out of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: The Cube Club Platform GmbH
    Inventor: Stilianos Tassias
  • Patent number: 11603254
    Abstract: A miniature pump including a first chamber, a second chamber, a deformable membrane provided within the second chamber that divides the second chamber into first and second sub-chambers, the second sub-chamber defining a reservoir configured to contain liquid to be dispensed, a passage that connects the first chamber to the first sub-chamber, and an outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein pressurized fluid within the first internal chamber flows through the passage and into the first sub-chamber to compress the deformable membrane and cause liquid contained within the reservoir to flow out from the reservoir through the outlet and wherein the deformable membrane does not generate significant restoring forces when it is deformed and, therefore, will not return to its initial undeformed shape unless the reservoir is refilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventors: Farzad Forouzandeh, David Borkholder, Robert Frisina, Joseph Walton, Xiaoxia Zhu
  • Patent number: 11597207
    Abstract: Convenience of an ink bottle and a bottle set is improved. An ink bottle includes: a container portion that contains ink; a guiding portion that is formed in one end portion of the container portion, and includes an outflow port from which the ink in the container portion flow out; and a cover that covers at least an end portion of the container portion on the opposite side of the guiding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taku Ishizawa, Tadahiro Mizutani, Ryoichi Tanaka, Manabu Akahane, Koichi Toba, Takumi Nagashima, Yoshiaki Shimizu, Tadashi Watanabe, Noriyuki Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 11573112
    Abstract: A dosing device for dispensing a predetermined amount of liquid, in particular a predetermined amount of water, has a housing with a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a flow channel therebetween. A valve element in the flow path can be opened and closed. A measuring device measures the flow rate through the flow channel in the direction of the liquid outlet. A controller has an operating unit or is coupled to an operating unit for signal transmission. The dosing device is actuatable by the operating unit. The controller is further coupled in terms of control technology to the valve element and to the measuring device, the controller holding the valve element in an open position or moving it to an open position when the dosing device is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Collomix GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Essing, Martin Baumann
  • Patent number: 11564520
    Abstract: There is proposed an apparatus and method for measuring fluid usage from a container. The apparatus in one form includes a proximity sensor or sensors positioned in, or adjacent, an outlet of said container and configured to monitor the presence or absence of said fluid within or adjacent said outlet, an angle sensor for determining a first angle of said container when said fluid begins to flow through the outlet, and for determining a second angle of said container when said fluid stops flowing through said outlet, and a transmitter for sending data from the proximity sensor/s and angle sensor or processed data therefrom, to a computing device and/or display unit, wherein the data or processed data is used to calculate or indicate a volume of the fluid having passed through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventor: Nicholas Mebberson
  • Patent number: 11548693
    Abstract: A dispensing system (100) includes a pour cap (102) which may be connected with the neck of a container (900). The cap base includes a main deck (108), a dispensing spout (110) and a venting tube (112). A flow regulator is mounted on the underside of the main deck such that the flow regulator restricts flow through the opening of the dispensing spout. In some embodiments, the flow regulator is a hinged spring-loaded baffle plate (116). In some embodiments, the flow regulator is a gravity ball valve (316). A visual timing device (200) may be advantageously located on the pour cap (102) so that the timing device is easily visible to a user during operation or use of the dispensing system. The constant flow rate provided by the flow regulator allows the timing device to more precisely measure each pour regardless of how much fluid is in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Leah Smalley, Jeroen de Regt
  • Patent number: 11548776
    Abstract: A consistent water to chemical ratio in each of two described operating modes is achieved by implementing a closed loop insert comprising a single straw with a dual dilution rate. The closed loop insert is installed at the packaging level and is recessed into the neck of the container so that it does not interfere with the bottle cap or the dispensing unit to which it might be attached. The closed loop engages with a mating cap adapter or chemical dispenser that keys up to a closed insert to allow the dilution dispenser to draw chemical out of the container through the use of a vacuum pressure. The dual dilution rate closed loop insert of the invention has two different metering tip sizes that fit inside a single straw closed loop insert, selected based upon operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Knight, LLC
    Inventor: Enrique Loreto
  • Patent number: 11541416
    Abstract: A reusable cartridge piston for use with film bag cartridges comprises a piston base, an intermediate portion and a piston head. An extension axis extends from the piston base through the intermediate portion and through the piston head. The piston also includes a lip sections extending radially outwardly with respect to the extension axis from a sidewall of the piston head, the piston base and the piston head being spaced apart from one another by the intermediate portion, with a gap between the piston base and the lip sections. The lip sections are respectively spaced apart from one another by slits formed between two neighboring lip sections, with the slits extending in a radial direction with respect to the extension axis of the piston. The piston base, the intermediate portion, the piston head and the lip sections are formed as one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: MEDMIX SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventor: Richard Lavelanet
  • Patent number: 11530069
    Abstract: A retractable dispenser device includes: an externally threaded multi-ply tube comprising a spiral wound first multi-ply material, wherein the first multi-ply material includes one or more inner plies and an outer ply, wherein the outer ply is wider than the one or more inner plies, wherein subsequent windings of the inner plies abut each other such that the outer ply overlaps at each subsequent winding forming an external thread; and an internally threaded multi-ply sleeve comprising a spiral wound second multi-ply material, wherein the second multi-ply material includes an inner ply and one or more outer plies, wherein the inner ply is narrower than the one or more outer plies, wherein subsequent windings of the outer plies abut each other such that the inner ply leaves a gap at each subsequent winding forming an internal thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Econscience, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Dudlak
  • Patent number: 11524822
    Abstract: The device makes it possible to dispense predetermined metered quantities of liquid. It includes a sealing member that can take up a liquid release position, allowing liquid to flow out of the device, and a non-return position preventing liquid from flowing back into the device. The sealing member is provided with metering means for metering out the liquid to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventors: Gaƫtan Painchaud, Sylvain Lanzi, Xavier Julia, Guillaume Grevin
  • Patent number: 11518668
    Abstract: Keg sensors and keg sensor assemblies are disclosed. In some embodiments, the keg sensor may include a main body and a first connector attached to the main body and configured to be connected to a keg dispensing coupler. The keg dispensing coupler may be configured to be moved between a closed position and an open position; The keg sensor may additionally include a second connector attached to the main body and configured to be connected to a valve of a keg. The keg sensor may further include a sensor assembly attached to the main body and configured to detect one or more operating parameters of liquid dispensed, via the keg dispensing coupler, from the keg through the keg sensor. In some embodiments, the keg sensor assembly may include a keg sensor and a stack cage assembly. The stack cage assembly may include a cage sized to surround the keg sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Hunter Caputo
  • Patent number: 11518604
    Abstract: An aerosol spray device includes a container having first and second fluid reservoirs disposed therein that are divided from one another. The first fluid reservoir holds a first mixture including a first aerosol propellant and a first part of a silicone based topical skin adhesive that is dissolved in the first aerosol propellant. The second fluid reservoir holds a second mixture including a second aerosol propellant and a second part of the silicone based topical skin adhesive that is dissolved in the second aerosol propellant. An aerosol spray dispensing system is connected with the container, which is configured to combine the first and second mixtures to form the silicone based topical skin adhesive and dispense the silicone based topical skin adhesive from the container as an aerosol spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Duan Li Ou, Carolyn J. Mordas
  • Patent number: 11518571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing head (1) for a dispensing device, and to a dispensing device (100) for the metered dispensing of liquid preparations, which dispensing device is provided with the dispensing head. The dispensing head comprises a special valve (6), which comprises at least one sealing lip (7a, 7b), by means of which a passage channel (3) for dispensing the liquid preparation, which passage channel is formed in the dispensing head, can be closed. The present invention is characterized by the simplicity of the dispensing head (1) and the economic advantages in the manufacturing which are linked to this simplicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: F. HOLZER GMBH
    Inventors: Hyeck-Hee Lee, Ute Steinfeld, Markus Mahler, Frank Holzer
  • Patent number: 11511916
    Abstract: A reusable drinking bottle having an improved, easily cleanable, closure adapted with a drinking spout. A closure body is adapted for mating engagement in covering relation with the open top formed in a drinking bottle. A valve insert places the interior volume of the drinking bottle in fluid communication with the exterior. An actuator is removably connected to the valve insert to allow for user actuated rotation thereof between closed and open configurations. A normally closed resilient self-sealing valve allows liquid to flow from the drinking bottle through the valve insert when configured to the open configuration. The valve insert is retained by a retaining cap in threaded engagement with the valve insert on the exterior of the base. The closure of the present invention contains only a small number of components and may be easily disassembled by the user to allow for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Brandon Bernardo
  • Patent number: 11504729
    Abstract: Embodiments include a bottle and method for cleaning a grill. An exemplary method may be applied to grills having an upper grill and a lower grill. Methods can include providing a bottle having a dosing chamber with a first outlet, a reservoir chamber configured to store a solution and including a second outlet, and a sprayer for dispensing solution via the second outlet. The sprayer includes a spray head and a trigger that, when actuated, draws solution from the reservoir chamber and dispenses it by spraying the solution from the spray head. Methods can include filing the dosing chamber with a predetermined dose of solution from the reservoir chamber and dispensing the solution onto the lower grill from the first outlet, and dispensing the solution onto the upper grill by spraying the solution onto the upper grill from the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Candice J. Thomas, Robin B. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 11505442
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector (18) for use in a beverage dispense system (1), the connector (18) defining a conduit for connecting a beverage line (2) to a beverage supply (4). The connector (18) comprises an electrical sensor (21) (e.g. a capacitive sensor) for measuring an electrical parameter of a beverage within the connector conduit. The electrical parameter and/or changes in the electrical parameter can be used to detect bubbles in the beverage and/or identify the type/brand of beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Heineken UK Limited
    Inventors: Guy Hutchinson, Stuart Briant, Simon Gray
  • Patent number: 11504267
    Abstract: A heating device includes a heating unit and device electronics. The heating unit is configured to deliver heat to a user's body. The heating unit includes a substrate and a heating element supported by the substrate. The device electronics are coupled to the heating element and are configured to store a first heating profile that includes data indicating how power should be delivered to the heating element over a first period of time. The device electronics are configured to deliver power to the heating element according to the first heating profile. The device electronics are configured to wirelessly receive a second heating profile from an external computing device. The second heating profile includes data indicating how power should be delivered to the heating element over a second period of time. The device electronics are configured to deliver power to the heating element according to the second heating profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Relief Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Moulton Thomas, Brian James Krieger, Richard Thomas Caligaris, Elizabeth Ann Miracle, Grace Hina Lee
  • Patent number: 11498744
    Abstract: The heterogeneous contents mixing container includes a first container formed therein with a content storage space and a container coupling space separated from each other; a second container coupled to the first container and formed with an inlet and a coupling portion; a first discharge unit installed in the first container to discharge stored contents; a second discharge unit installed in the second container to discharge stored contents; and a push button configured to operate the first and second discharge units and formed with first and second discharge passages and first and second outlets which are connected to the first and second discharge units, respectively, wherein the container coupling space of the first container and the inlet and the coupling portion of the second container deviate to one side from a center between the first and second containers, and the second discharge is connected to the second discharge passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: PUM-TECH KOREA CO., LTD
    Inventor: Do Hoon Lee