Patents Examined by Philippe Derakshani
  • Patent number: 7207465
    Abstract: The self-opener closure comprises a spout (2) having a projecting lower rim (9) which is to be molded or glued to a composite packaging, an associated rotary cap (1) as well as a self-opener sleeve (3) arranged within the spout (2). This self-opener sleeve (3) can be made to rotate by the rotary cap (1). The inner side of the spout (2) is provided with four guide webs having varying inclines arranged over its inner circumference. These interact with specially formed guide ribs at the outer wall of the self-opener sleeve (3), which brings about that the self-opener sleeve (3), when continuously rotated in the inside of the spout (2), and by being guided at these guide ribs, describes an uneven downwardly directed movement, which superposes its rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: SIG Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Mario Weist
  • Patent number: 7207468
    Abstract: A pre-compression pump (10) dispenses microdoses of fluid (F). The pump minimizes pulsing due to pressure fluctuations. The pump is provided with the following to limit pulsing: a low force slow return velocity return spring (46); enlarged fluid passage (58); elastic bumper (74); and, a rachet tooth (76) bearing against the stem (44). Further, a deflectable diaphragm (90), a splined (70) stem (44), no dip tube, and an off-center, gravitational low-point pump inlet (62) assist in printing the pump. The pump includes a stem (44) with deflectable fingers (92) to ensure sufficient momentum in pump operation. Detents (118) and grooves (120) selectively lock a nozzle cap (14) in an inoperative position. To ensure cleanliness, nozzle (60) cleaning is provided, wiping of the nozzle to remove meniscus (M) therefrom, cuts (104) formed in a shroud (98) assist in drawing excess fluid from the nozzle, and an empty volume (108) for collecting fluid run-off from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Ben Z. Cohen, Nigel Kelly
  • Patent number: 7204393
    Abstract: A spray actuator for a pressurized aerosol canister that simplifies the mechanical moving parts of a spray actuator to a body and a trigger and a third nozzle piece being inserted at the very end of the product dispensing passage either in the body or the trigger. The moveable trigger rotates about a pivot or hinge point on the body and is biased by engagement with the valve stem or an additional spring return into a neutral unactuated position where the product is not dispensed. When dispensing of the product is desired, the user grasps the actuator and pulls the trigger against the body and overcomes the bias of the valve stem and the valve is actuated as discussed above to dispense the pressurized aerosol product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Summit Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Toralf H. Strand
  • Patent number: 7201288
    Abstract: A dispensing device, such as a drinking container, for selectively dispensing a substance, such as a drinking liquid. The dispensing device includes a container defining a chamber for storing the substance. The dispensing device also includes a lid element. The lid element includes a lower lid portion attachable to the container. The lower lid portion defines at least one lower orifice. The lower lid portion has an upwardly-extending column member located in a center region of the lower lid portion. The lid element also includes an upper lid portion configured to be rotatably mounted on the lower lid portion via the column member. The upper lid portion defines at least one upper orifice. The upper lid portion is rotatable relative to the lower lid portion to a closed position at which the upper orifice is misaligned with the lower orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas von Rönn, Birgit Clemens
  • Patent number: 7198179
    Abstract: A packaged gas-solubilized product is described. The gas-solubilized product contains a first gas with a first pressure. The product is placed into a flexible inner container made of a gas-impermeable material. The inner container is hermetically disposed inside an outer container. A space formed between the inner and the outer containers is charged with a second gas with an initial charging pressure. The initial charging pressure is higher than the pressure of the first gas contained in the product. Additionally, a product dispenser in a fluid connection with the product contained in the internal container is included. The present invention also provides a method of packaging a gas-solubilized product to prevent a change in the concentration of the gas dissolved in the product during its storage and dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Gilkerson, Jeffrey L. Creech, Li-Chien Hsu, Gregory P. Watson
  • Patent number: 7198177
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a fluid includes a housing, a fluid reservoir placed in the housing, and a pump. The pump includes a nozzle protruding therefrom and an operating part connected to the fluid reservoir. When the operating part is moved from an initial position, in which flow of fluid through the pump from the fluid reservoir to the nozzle is substantially prevented, in a direction of pumping, fluid is pumped from the fluid reservoir to the nozzle. The dispenser also includes a resilient element which, upon movement of the operating part from the initial position, exerts a force opposed to the direction of pumping. The nozzle forms part of the operating part and is at an angle relative to the direction of pumping. The engagement mechanism externally engages an area of a part of the nozzle protruding from the operating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Bentfield Europe B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Everhardus Ganzeboom
  • Patent number: 7198180
    Abstract: A closure is removably attachable to a container and comprises a dispensing orifice and a tubular valve element that is biased closed blocking communication of the container with the orifice. By inverting the container so that a liquid contents of the container exerts pressure on the valve element, or by squeezing the container causing the liquid contents to exert pressure on the valve element, the valve element opens communication with the dispensing orifice allowing the liquid contents to be dispensed from the container. On removing the pressure from the valve element, the valve element resiliently closes the dispensing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Continental AFA Dispensing Company
    Inventors: Donald D. Foster, Martin S. Laffey
  • Patent number: 7198178
    Abstract: An assembly including a pump attachment particularly adapted to form an nonaerosol pump sprayer. The attachment includes a body, a shaft, a piston, an inlet valve and a biasing member. The body defines an elongate chamber having the first end, second end, and an interior wall extending between the first end and second end. The shaft extends through the opening in the first end of the chamber. The piston is reciprocally mounted within the chamber and includes an outer annular surface sized and shaped to form a sealing engagement with the interior wall of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventors: Donald J. Shanklin, Ronald F. Englhard
  • Patent number: 7198176
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid dispenser, in particular to a dosing dispenser with a discharge tubule with an integral outlet duct for delivering a liquid via an outlet port and an integrated return duct which extends along the outlet duct, a discharge tubule kit system and a discharge tubule. The liquid dispenser contains a supplying device with a supplying or dosing cylinder, a supplying or dosing plunger which can be moved back and forth therein for supplying the liquid from a container to an outlet duct in order to dispense the liquid via an outlet port of the outlet duct, the said outlet duct being formed in an integral manner by a discharge tubule. According to the invention, the outlet port is formed for connection to the return duct by means of a connecting device, which extends integrally in the discharge tubule along the outlet duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Poulten & Graf GmbH
    Inventor: Theodor Fessel
  • Patent number: 7195136
    Abstract: Dispenser for delivering portions of pasty substances has an emptying nozzle (18) associated with a squeeze head (13), and a tubular housing (1) in which a plunger (9) is displaced in a stepwise manner during a process of emptying the dispenser. Displacement of the plunger occurs in the direction toward the nozzle (18). The squeeze head can be pressed in, in the direction of the plunger (9), and can be actuated via a handle (H). A cover (21) closes an opening (20) of the nozzle (18). A pivot-pin connection (DV) is provided between the cover and the nozzle, and a slit/pivot pin mounting (23/22) is disposed between cover and the housing such that, once the cover has been displaced open partially, the pivot pin (22) is displaced in the pressing-in direction of the squeeze head (13), and the nozzle is carried along in the process, by way of support against a housing-side abutment (w).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Alfred von Schuckmann
  • Patent number: 7195135
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser having two dispensing members (11, 21) mounted on two reservoirs (10, 20), each dispensing member being provided with a dispensing head (12, 22) through which fluid is caused to flow by pressing on a common pusher (3). The two dispensing heads are interconnected via a flexible spacer (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Laurent Decottignies
  • Patent number: 7195138
    Abstract: A closure is removably attachable to a container and comprises a dispensing orifice and a valve element that is biased closed over the orifice. By inverting the container so that a liquid contents of the container exerts pressure on the valve element, or by squeezing the container causing the liquid contents to exert pressure on the valve element, the valve element opens the dispensing orifice allowing the liquid contents to be dispensed from the container. On removing the pressure from the valve element, the valve element resiliently closes the dispensing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Continental AFA Dispensing Company
    Inventors: Donald D. Foster, Philip L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7191920
    Abstract: A household liquid dispensing apparatus includes a container for holding a household liquid and a pump for pumping the household liquid out of the container. The pump includes a pump chamber. A dip tube is adapted to be positioned in the container and communicates with the pump chamber. An exhaust tube communicates with the pump chamber and an outlet for the household liquid. A pump actuator mechanically drives the pump. A motor operatively engages the pump actuator. The motor is electrically connected to a power source. A switch is electrically connected to the motor and the power source. A trigger assembly is operatively connected to the switch to control power delivered to the motor. The trigger assembly is positioned under the outlet for the household liquid for easy actuation by an upturned hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: David Boll, Jeffery Kalman, Michael Schiavoni, Craig M. Saunders
  • Patent number: 7185793
    Abstract: A closing device for recipients provided with a nozzle and a cap and having a cylindrical seat provided in the nozzle and having at least one radial window in communication with the recipient; a cylindrical tubular seal affixed to the interior of the cap, having at least one radial opening and being fitted and journalled in the interior of the seat; and a sealing means, incorporated in the interior of the cap and being seated against the free end of the seat to seal it, said cap having an axial orifice opened to the interior of the cylindrical tubular seal and being selectively angularly displaced between an opening position, and a closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Globalpack Industria E. Comercio Ltda.
    Inventor: Renato Miranda
  • Patent number: 7185789
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dispenser apparatus for dispensing fluids. The dispenser apparatus includes a rotatable table, a plurality of dispensing units. Each dispensing unit has a receptacle for holding a fluid, and each receptacle includes a corresponding pump for dispensing fluid held therein. The dispensing units have a base portion to detachably attach the units to the rotatable table. The dispenser apparatus further includes a stationary dispensing station that has a pump actuator for dispensing fluid held in the receptacle. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for engaging the base portion of a dispensing unit. The mechanism when activated, moves the dispensing units thus rotating the table to align a pump corresponding to a receptacle to the stationary dispensing station, wherein fluid held in the receptacle may be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lenteq, LP
    Inventors: Johannes Hendrikus Mink, Wilhelmus Quirinus Laurentinus van Westerop, Renautus Petrus Cornelis Meeuwisse, Leen Hellenberg, Eric Buining, Adriaan Kuipers
  • Patent number: 7178702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device, comprising a container and a dispensing head connected thereto, the container and head including a co-operating snap coupling means comprising a plurality of lugs arranged on one of the two parts to be connected and a plurality of recesses arranged in the other part for receiving the lugs in which at least one of the lugs is resiliently deformable and at least one other lug is relatively stiff and non-deformable. Such a dispensing device may swiftly and easily be filled and assembled. At least the lugs are advantageously made of a thermoplastic polyester, like e.g. PET. The invention further relates to a method for filling such a dispensing device with a medium to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: AFA Polytek, B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Johannes Joseph Maas, Petrus Lambertus Wilhelmus Hurkmans
  • Patent number: 7178695
    Abstract: A dispenser for depositing at least one of lines and stripes of at least one material, comprising a trolley having front and back wheels and securing at least one container on a platform thereof, the trolley being movable between an in-use position, wherein the trolley is straighten up on the front wheels thereof allowing a content of the at least one container to be out from at least one aperture on a bottom part of the at least one container, and an out-of use position, wherein the trolley rests on rear wheels thereof and the content of the at least one container is stopped from flowing out from the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Jean-Claude Malenfant et al.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Malenfant, Eric Malenfant, Yves Malenfant
  • Patent number: 7172100
    Abstract: A plastic insert member includes a base body containing a through passage, said through passage having opposite axial opening ends, at least one connecting rib projecting from the outer periphery of the base body for connecting the insert member to a container member, and distributor means formed on the base body adjacent one of the axial opening ends of the through passage for transversely deflecting at least a portion of a flow of fluid emerging from said one opening end. The distributor means comprise at least a single distributor bar transversely bridging over said one opening end in spaced relationship therefrom, said distributor bar being movable between a position bridging over said one opening end of the through passage and a position in which it does not bridge over said one opening end of the through passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Georg Menshen GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Frank Mertens
  • Patent number: 7168594
    Abstract: A childproof lock for a reciprocating fluid dispensing pump of the type that is threaded into a locked position. In one set of embodiments, the lock requires simultaneous displacement in a direction other than unthreading to permit reciprocation of the pump. In another set of embodiments, fluid flow is permitted only when a lock is simultaneously displaced in a direction other than reciprocation of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Law, Jeff Spencer, David Prichett
  • Patent number: 7163127
    Abstract: The guarantee hinge closure is envisaged for film-sealed bottles and containers of flowable contents. It comprises a cap-like lower part (1) with an inner thread (16) which is closed on its cap lid (5) with the exception of a pour-out spout (4) of less than half the diameter of the inner thread (16) of the cap lid (5). A lid cap (2) is integrally formed on this lower part (1) via a hinge (3), with a muff (7) formed on this lid cap which in the closure position embraces the pour-out spout (4). The cap lid (5) of the lower part (1) outside the pour-out spout (4) includes a piercing means (6) with a piercing pin (24). The piercing means (6) may be pushed from an upper initial position amid springing deformation into a lower end position. The lid cap (2) contains a push button (8) for actuating the piercing means (6). The push button (8) is connected to the lid cap (2) via material bridges (9) which act as break-off locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: SIG Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Fritz Seelhofer