Patents Examined by Robert Nichols, II
  • Patent number: 9586740
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a container for dispensing a liquid from the container. The container includes a flexible body having a closed top and an open bottom and a base attached to the open bottom of the body. The body and base define a chamber for holding a liquid. The base includes a floor and a peripheral rim extending below the floor. A nozzle extends from the floor. A closure slidingly engages with the nozzle. The closure includes a panel-cap having an aperture through which the liquid is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Timothy James, Haley A. Lowry, Jill M. Martin
  • Patent number: 9579671
    Abstract: A tip for dispensing liquid for mounting on a container. A valve includes at least two elements that are mobile in relation to one another, each mobile element including a bearing zone against the other mobile element. One of the mobile elements bears anti-microbial material on or in the immediate proximity of a part of its bearing zone forming a blocking barrier and all surfaces of the dispensing tip in contact with the inside are free of anti-microbial material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Nemera La Verpillière S.A.S.
    Inventors: Thierry Decock, Guillaume Grevin, Xavier Julia, Gaëtan Painchaud, Thierry Rimlinger
  • Patent number: 9579672
    Abstract: A dispenser device for dispensing a fluid or powder composition, including a dispenser outlet, an air expeller, and a reservoir containing a dose of a composition. The reservoir includes an air inlet connected to the air expeller, and a composition outlet connected to the dispenser outlet. The air inlet includes a composition retainer member for retaining the composition in the reservoir until the composition is dispensed, and the composition outlet being closed by a closure element that is force fitted in the composition outlet of the reservoir. The device includes a mechanical opening system that co-operates with the closure element so as to expel it mechanically from its closed position while the device is actuated. The closure element is an element that is not spherical, including a rounded portion, in particular a hemi-spherical portion, that faces towards the inside of the reservoir in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventor: Matthieu Baillet
  • Patent number: 9574920
    Abstract: A storage and measurement container for retaining a quantity of particulate material and dispensing a measured serving thereof. The container comprises an interior volume that is dividable into an upper volume and a lower volume via a slide, a sliding member that selectively occupies the lower volume, and a bottom lid for dispensing the contents of the lower volume. Pulling the slide and the sliding member out from the container causes granular material, such as flour or spices, to fall from the upper volume to the lower volume that is vacated by the sliding member. Measurement indicia on the slide corresponds to the amount of volume vacated by the sliding member. Once the desired amount of material has been deposited into the lower volume, the slide can be closed to seal the upper volume from the lower volume, and the contents of the lower volume can then be dispensed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Linda Enns
  • Patent number: 9567139
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible pouch for bottom-dispensing a liquid. A dock for holding the flexible pouch is also provided. Further disclosed herein is a system for dispensing a liquid. The system includes the pouch for placement in the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Timothy James, Haley A. Lowry, Jill M. Martin
  • Patent number: 9567140
    Abstract: A container providing improved features. The container prevents uncontrolled dripping of a liquid and directs a liquid drop present on a cap which closes the spout back into the container when the cap is open. The container includes a series of measuring indicators on the base for measuring a volume of material, such as a liquid. Also, the cover includes a further series of inverted measuring indicators for measuring a volume of material. The invention likewise includes a measuring device for measuring two or more liquids or dry ingredients such as by providing volume measuring indicators on a cover for a container as well as on the container. The measuring device may be a single measuring device which measures two or more liquids or dry materials, and may be configured for mixing the measured materials together in the same measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitri M. J. C. Backaert, Kris Schoukens, Robijn Dufloo
  • Patent number: 9568240
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet formed with at least one refrigerated compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet via a hollow hinge to selectively open and close at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment. A water heater is mounted on an exterior surface of the cabinet about the hollow hinge and configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator. A hot water dispenser is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense hot water supplied from the water heater into a receiver vessel, and a hot water conduit is guided through the hollow hinge and extending from the water heater to the hot water dispenser to supply the hot water from the heater to the dispenser. A method of dispensing hot water is also provided. The method utilizes at least two distinct, user-initiated steps to permit the dispensing of hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: David L. Hall, Nilton Carlos Bertolini
  • Patent number: 9562633
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible pipe comprising an axis and a tubular innermost sealing sheath surrounding said axis, said innermost sealing sheath being surrounded by at least one outer armoring layer. The innermost sealing sheath has an inner side which is the side of the innermost sealing sheath comprising said axis. On the inner side of said innermost sealing sheath the flexible pipe comprises at least one carcass comprising a plurality of annular armoring members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO DENMARK I/S
    Inventors: Mads Thygesen, Rasmus C. Ostergaard, Kim Steen Olsen, Kristian Glejbol, Morten Storgaard Nielsen
  • Patent number: 9555954
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material through a refillable cartridge, comprising a container having a receptacle for receiving a refill cartridge, the container having a lid cooperating with the container to enclose the refill cartridge, the container further comprising an exit port and a channel for communicating material from the refill cartridge to the exit port, and a valve for controlling the flow of material out of the refill cartridge; and a reusable, refill cartridge sized to be received in the receptacle, the refill cartridge including compressed gas and material separated by a bi-conical thruster, the refill cartridge further comprising a first end having a material inlet and outlet manifold, and a second end having a compressed gas inlet. The system's performance can be improved by applying a surface treatment to the wetted surfaces of the system to change the physical properties at the fluid/vessel interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: C.H. & I. TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Levenstein, Robert D. Thibodeau, Eric A. Williams
  • Patent number: 9539177
    Abstract: A medication dispensing station is provided. The medication dispensing station includes a support base and a cradle pivotally attached to the support base in an elevated position relative to the support base. A medication dispenser may be releasably attachable to the cradle. Therefore, a patient may easily attach the medication dispenser to the cradle, and pivot the cradle to dispense the medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Stefan Erik Solvell
  • Patent number: 9538823
    Abstract: A container has a body with an opening for holding a fluid such as water. A plurality of substantially parallel fins extend from an opening toward an opposite end of the container defining parallel channels. When a fluid is dispersed from the opening of the container, the fluid is dispersed evenly across the opening in a coaxial direction to the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: SKIP HOP, INC.
    Inventors: Adam L. Hayes, Janet Villano, Ellen Diamant, Jeffrey E. Butler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9539175
    Abstract: A container for mixing an enclosed medical agent with a fluid. The container comprising an inclining bottom seam directed towards a connector. The connector comprising an elongated hollow body having a plurality of interconnected walls defining a first and a second longitudinal flow channel for fluidly connecting an inside and an outside of the container. The first flow channel has a first opening and a second opening, the first opening of the first flow channel is devised to be arranged inside of the container and the second opening of the first flow channel is devised to be arranged outside the container. The first opening of the first flow channel is arranged radially outwards from the first flow channel and directed towards said inclined bottom seam. The second flow channel has a first opening devised to be arranged inside of said container and a second opening devised to be arranged outside the container arranged axially to the first opening of the second flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: METPRO AB
    Inventors: Per-Olov Carlsson, Thore Falkvall, Björn Gillerfalk
  • Patent number: 9533818
    Abstract: A clamping device for a sprayer can is provided, including a shell body. The shell body includes a grip portion and a clamping portion for clamping one end of a sprayer can. The sprayer can is provided with a dispenser valve. The clamping portion includes a circumferential wall, and the circumferential wall defines a space for receiving the dispenser valve and a receiving opening communicating with the space. The circumferential wall is further formed with a window which communicates with the space, and the dispenser valve can spray through the window. The circumferential wall includes first flexible portions and at least one second flexible portion. At least one said second flexible portion is connected between every two adjacent first flexible portions. The second flexible portion is greater than the first flexible portion in flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: APEX MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Rong-Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 9511987
    Abstract: A dilution ratio adjusting apparatus in a beverage dispenser and a method of dilution adjustment calculates driving pulse numbers and pulse frequencies necessary for operating tube pumps discharging concentrated syrup based on dilution ratio information and basic flow rate information for discharging the concentrated syrup to thereby control the operation of the tube pumps, whereby easy and quick change in setting of the beverage dispenser is achieved even when changing of a concentrated syrup to another concentrated syrup with a different dilution ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hayakawa Sanki, Inc.
    Inventors: Yohei Hayakawa, Satoshi Wakui, Yasushi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 9511390
    Abstract: A substance dispensing system that includes a hydraulic drive system is disclosed. The hydraulic drive system includes a hydraulic valve having a variable pressure setting, the hydraulic valve operable between a closed position in which a hydraulic pump moves hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder and an open position in which the hydraulic pump moves the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic reservoir. The substance dispensing system of the present disclosure provides a system that recirculates hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic drive system instead of recirculating a substance back to a container via a pump. The substance dispensing system of the present disclosure allows for precise, accurate, and instantaneous control of an external force in a substance dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Rooftop Research, LLC
    Inventor: Robert S. Burns
  • Patent number: 9499949
    Abstract: In order to allow a truck with the ability to distribute sand to a roadway, while also having the ability to tow accessories, a uniquely configured sander body is provided. The sander body is uniquely adapted for attachment to the truck tailgate, and specifically sized so that it does not interfere with the towing mechanisms of the truck. Further, sander body is also uniquely configured to have a sand distribution chamber, with a removable rear wall, thus allowing easy access for cleaning and maintenance purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Mark Kline
  • Patent number: 9486298
    Abstract: Provided is a cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge for containing a dental substance. The cartridge comprises a dispensing opening for the dental substance. Further the cartridge assembly comprises a piston having a receptacle for establishing a screw connection with a spindle for moving the piston for dispensing the dental substance. This assembly helps minimize costs in the manufacturing and use of dental cartridges and/or dental dispensing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Marc Peuker, Helmut Pauser, Jens Gramann, Andreas J. Boehm, Manfred Harre
  • Patent number: 9488299
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing flexible pipe body and flexible pipe body of a type suitable for transporting production fluids is disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes an armour layer comprising interlocked windings of armour tape comprising at least one armour locating element and a reinforcement layer comprising a layer of reinforcement tape comprising at least one reinforcement locating element over the armour layer. The armour locating element and reinforcement locating element locate windings of the reinforcement tape with respect to respective windings of the armour tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey Stephen Graham
  • Patent number: 9462917
    Abstract: A novel and useful mountable and rotatable fluid dispenser comprises a container or fluid reservoir and a coupler. The container is adapted to be suspended from, and rotationally coupled to, a mounting point selected by a consumer. The container has at least one outlet at a first position on an outer surface thereof. The coupler is located at a second position on the outer surface and attachable by a consumer to the selected mounting point. The coupler is adapted to be re-attachable as desired by the consumer. The fluid dispenser further comprises a position stabilization mechanism for maintaining the user-determined position of the container when not being acted upon, whereby a consumer controls the dispensing of fluid from the container by re-orienting the height of the outlet between any non-dispensing position and any dispensing position without decoupling the container from the mounting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Yaffa Sheina Licari
  • Patent number: 9463907
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination of a deformable package (20) containing a cream product; and a tool (10) for dispensing the cream product from the deformable package (20) comprising a first member (12) which supports the deformable package (20), and a second member (14) connected to the first member (12) by a hinge (40), wherein the tool (10) is arranged so that, in use, when a user pushes the first and second members (12), (14) towards one another, the deformable package (20) is squeezed between the first and second members (12), (14) to dispense the cream product from the package (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: RECKITT & COLMAN (OVERSEAS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Louise Margaret Barlow, Geoffrey Robert Hammond, Jonathan Mark Law